Children in State Custody

The Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides appropriate services on behalf of children who are in the custody of the state.

O.C.G.A. §§ 15-11-28, 19-6-26, et seq.

42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(19)
45 CFR §§ 303.30 through 303.32
OCSS-IM-12-02

All Georgia child support offices receiving Title IV-D funds, including all private vendors contracted with the Department of Human Services to provide child support services.

DCSS has a cooperative agreement with the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to provide services on behalf of children in the state’s custody. Services include establishment of paternity, establishment, and enforcement of a support order as well as establishment and enforcement of medical support. Upon request of the juvenile court or DFCS, the DCSS assists with locating parents for the purposes of child placement.

DCSS seeks to obtain or enforce child support and medical support from either parent or guardian who is legally responsible for the maintenance, protection, and education of the child. However, DCSS will not seek to obtain or enforce child support obligations against minor parents of foster children who are also in the custody of the state. These services are provided by the DCSS through an assignment obtained while the child is in the state’s custody and while the child is receiving TANF or Medicaid. DCSS services are provided until the parent or guardian regains custody or until the child is adopted.