The purpose and mission of the Child Support Enforcement Program are derived from title IV-D of the Social Security Act: To enhance the well-being of children by assuring that assistance in obtaining support, including financial and medical, is available to children through locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing support obligations, and monitoring and enforcing those obligations.   

Vision for the future: Children can count on their parents for the financial, medical, and emotional support they need to be healthy and successful. 

Guiding principles

  • Children first.
  • Parents must meet their financial and emotional responsibilities to their children and we will help those who are struggling to do so. 
  • A legal and emotional relationship between parents and their children is essential.
  • Our prompt, proactive steps ensure that appropriate levels of child support are paid timely and consistently to prevent the accrual of unpaid child support.
  • Reliable child support and medical coverage are particularly crucial for families striving for self-sufficiency.
  • Both parents are treated fairly, kept informed and their concerns are recognized.
  • Services are most effective when cultural differences are respected.
  • Child Support Enforcement Programs have an obligation to provide public education and outreach.
  • We will promote stable, safe, and healthy relationships between parents and children by participating in the larger community's efforts to strengthen families, and encourage healthy marriage and responsible parenthood. 
  • We will collaborate widely, with respect and flexibility, to overcome jurisdictional and other barriers among counties, States, Tribes, programs, cultures and traditions. 
  • We will ensure the privacy and security of the personal information so critical to our mission.
  • The Child Support Enforcement Program will advance through coordinated efforts involving technology, research, demonstration projects and innovation.
  • Policy and technology decisions are interdependent and coordinated to achieve high performance.