In child support cases, fairness and participation matter. Yet across California and the nation, nearly half of all child support orders are determined without both parents present. These “default judgments” often result in child support amounts being set without crucial context—like a parent’s ability to pay—leading to payment delinquencies and financial stress for families.
Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is doing things differently. DCSS has made a powerful commitment to procedural justice—ensuring parents are treated with fairness, transparency and respect throughout the child support process.
Historically, about 50% of child support orders in Sacramento County were made by default – on par with the national average. Today, that number is closer to 25%, thanks to major reforms driven by DCSS.
“Parents deserve a chance to be heard,” said DCSS Director, Dalen Fredrickson. “We’ve worked hard to remove barriers that prevent parents from participating in the process.”
Key Innovations Making a Difference
DCSS has taken several concrete steps to help parents actively engage with the system:
- Dedicated Locate Team: A specialized team now work to find and contact parents early in the process—not just to deliver legal paperwork, but to begin a conversation.
- Early Outreach & Communication: Staff explain the child support process up front, offer guidance on how to respond to the summons, and answer questions about legal rights and responsibilities.
- “By Appointment” Legal Starts: Instead of starting the legal process “by surprise,” parents are invited to begin by appointment, when possible, with information and support.
- Experienced Child Support Officers: In most cases, department Child Support Officers —not outside process servers—deliver the legal documents. These staff are trained to answer questions, conduct on-the-spot genetic testing when needed, and help parents avoid court by working toward agreements.
- Modernized Guidelines: Recent updates to the state’s child support guidelines and upcoming changes to the family code allow courts to better consider a parent’s actual earning capacity, making support orders more realistic and sustainable.
Results That Support Families
Thanks to these efforts, more parents are participating—and more children are benefiting. Sacramento County now sends over $10 million each month to local families to help cover essential living expenses. When parents are engaged, support orders are more accurate, and collections improve.
Derek Smart and Siu Narruhn, both field Child Support Officers, meet with parents daily throughout Sacramento County to assist them with the complex child support process.
"The impact I have on customers in the field versus those on the phone is more personal," said Mr. Smart. "Being in person allows the customer to see my passion to help and relate to them in their own setting, which puts them at ease."
Ms. Narruhn shared a similar experience. "The impact on our customers in the field has improved since transitioning from Process Servers to field Child Support Officers. We now provide the option for fathers to get genetic testing on the spot. Many fathers I have tested feel relieved knowing they have a voice in their case and are thankful to get answers."
Need Help With Child Support?
Whether you’re starting a new child support case, need to modify an existing order, or are having trouble with collections, DCSS is here to help, and almost all services are free.
DCSS has tools to help and real people who care! Their field-based Child Support Officers not only guide clients through the process, but they also work to find solutions.
Connect With Us
If you or someone you know could benefit from child support services, visit childsupport.saccounty.gov or call (866) 901-3212 to get started. We’re here to support families—and build a stronger, more just future for every child.