1. NAME OF PROGRAM: Child Support Enforcement Services

2. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM: In 1975, federal law required that all states establish programs to aid in the establishment and collection of child support to ensure that both parents provide support to their children. The N. C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services administers the North Carolina Child Support Enforcement program. Local child support offices serve each county in the state.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

1. Application for services can be made by calling any local child support enforcement agency to request an application be mailed. Application can also be made in person at any local child support enforcement office.
2. Useful information in the application process includes:
   
   
1. The certified birth certificate of any dependent child to be included in a child support case.
2. Any separation or divorce decrees.
3. The copy of any existing or prior child support orders.
4. Social Security numbers for all parties to be included in the child support case, including the non-custodial parent.

4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Services are available to anyone who is responsible for a child, regardless of income. There is no residency requirement to apply for child support services.
2. Families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are automatically referred to the local child support enforcement office. Cooperation with efforts to pursue paternity and support is required as a condition of eligibility for this public assistance.
3. Persons who do not receive public assistance, may apply for services by completing an application and paying an application fee of either $10.00 or $25.00. The fee is determined by a poverty level guideline.

5. OTHER PROGRAM DETAILS:

1. North Carolina Child Support Enforcement offers assistance in the area of:
   
   
1. Location of absent parents.
2. Paternity establishment for children born outside of marriage.
3. Establishment of support and medical obligations.
4. Collection and distribution of support.
5. Enforcement of support and medical obligations.
   
   
2. The Child Support program is not authorized to help with issues such as custody, visitation or property settlements. A private attorney is needed to discuss these concerns. The child support enforcement program works in partnership with an agency or contract attorney, the county Clerk of Court and the District Attorney in establishing and enforcing court orders.
3. A child support order cannot be established for a child who is born to unmarried parents unless the alleged father acknowledges paternity or is proved to be the father. Paternity may be established by voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or by court order.
4. Genetic testing (DNA) is recommended if there are doubts regarding the paternity of the child.
5. The Child Support Centralized Collections Office and the North Carolina Child Support Enforcement Office handle collection and distribution of child support checks.
6. Enforcement of child support orders is accomplished primarily through income withholding by employers, interception of state and federal income tax refunds and liens on real or personal property owed by the non-custodial parent.
7. Program information may be obtained by calling 1-800-992-9457.

6. DATE OF INFORMATION: 4-18-01