Healthy Families Collaboratives

These social services agencies work to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation of children from their families.

Collaborative Solutions for Communities (Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative)

3333 14th Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 518-6737

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative

3917 Minnesota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20019
(202) 397-7300

Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative

601 Edgewood Street, NE, Suite 25, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 832-9400

611 Edgewood Street, NE, Suite 106, Washington, DC 20017
(202) 832-9400

801 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 832-9400

Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative

2006 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020
(202) 889-1425 or (202) 827-3032

2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020 (Matthews Memorial Church)
(202) 885-9167

4315 3rd Street SE, Washington, DC 20032 (Atlantic Homes)
(202) 827-3032

Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative

4420 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
(202) 722-1815

Food Donation Information

19th Street Baptist Church

4606 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011
(202) 829-2773

Sixth Presbyterian Church

5413 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011
(202) 723-5377

Anacostia Community Outreach Center

707B 24th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 889-5607

Crowder Owens Food Bank

600 W Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 635-9053

Salvation Army

2626 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 756-3913 (National Capital Area Command)

2100 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 269-6333 (Harbor Lights Command)

3335 Sherman Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 829-0100 (Sherman Avenue Corps)

2300 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020
(202) 678-9773 (Solomon Brown Corps)

Child and Family Resources

Catholic Charities

924 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 772-4300

Barbara Chambers Children’s Center

1470 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010
(202) 387-6755 

DC Department of Health (Vital Records)

899 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 442-5955

DC Department of Human Services (TANF)

64 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 727-5355

Family & Child Services of Washington, DC, Inc.

1509 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 289-1510

UPO (Father Initiative)

301 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 238-4600

Assignment of Rights

When a custodian receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and/or Medicaid for the child(ren), the District pays for the benefits that are provided to the family.  In return for the TANF or Medicaid assistance, the child(ren)'s caregiver assigns (or transfers) to the District the right to receive some or all of the incoming child support payments as reimbursement for the benefits paid out.

Current Child Support

By accepting TANF, the child's custodian assigns to the District the right to receive child support payments made for current support.  Because of this assignment, except for the child support payments received from the $150 Pass-Through, current support payments are halted to the family until the family no longer receives TANF.

Arrears

When a parent, who is ordered to pay child support, falls behind in making payments, that person accrues arrears. The child(ren)'s custodian may be entitled to receive arrears payments depending on when the arrears accrued (that is, depending on when they became due).

    Frequently Asked Questions -- Assignment of Rights

    How does a person assign rights to child support payments?

    The assignment of rights takes place automatically when a person applies for TANF benefits. The TANF application includes a section that addresses the assignment of the right to receive ongoing child support during the TANF period.  Instead, while receiving TANF, the right to receive current support amounts passes to the District as reimbursement for the TANF benefit.  A person who chooses not to sign the assignment of rights section will not receive TANF benefits.

      How long does an assignment of rights last?

      The assignment of rights ends when the custodian no longer receives public assistance for the child(ren).  When public assistance payments end, the family will begin to receive all of the current support amounts that are paid. Beginning at that point, current support will go to the family first before any assigned arrears are paid to the District.

      Although receiving TANF, the family may be entitled to receive child support arrears that accrued before or during the TANF period.

      • Any arrears that are owed to the family may be called "unassigned arrears" or "never assigned arrears".
      • Any arrears that the District keeps are called "assigned arrears".

      Will a parent receive support arrears that accrued before the start of public assistance?

      The child(ren)'s custodian often is entitled to child support arrears for the time period before receiving TANF. However, some arrears that accrued before the TANF period may be assigned to the District. In those instances, though, the District is only entitled to reimburse itself up to the total amount of public assistance benefits it paid out to the family. 

        Is a parent paid for support arrears that accrued after public assistance ended?

        Any arrears that accrue after the public assistance period has ended will belong to the family.  These arrears (called "never assigned arrears") will be paid to the family before the amount assigned to the District is paid, unless the payment source is federal tax intercept.

          Will a parent be paid support arrears while receiving public assistance?

          While the child(ren)'s custodian is receiving TANF, the District keeps track of the amount of public assistance benefits it provides. To pay itself back for this assistance, the District is allowed to keep the current child support payments (less the pass-through) and support arrears.  If the amount of the support arrears collected is greater than the amount of assistance the family receives, the District will only keep the amount of support arrears that is equal to the TANF benefit amount. The rest of the support arrears will go to the family.

          The amount of public assistance benefit received by a family that has not been repaid to the District by current support payments or by support arrears is called "unreimbursed assistance". The arrears that accrued before and during the public assistance period may be used to repay the government for this unreimbursed assistance; however, any support payments that are more than the unreimbursed assistance amount will be paid to the family.

            What happens if a parent receives child support from multiple payors?

            TANF assistance is based on a family grant. A "family grant" is assistance in the form of a block grant given to benefit all members of the custodial parent's immediate family. 

            Federal law prohibits a family grant from being calculated per child or per an individual family member.  Thus, the total amount of support owed to the custodian for all of the children is assigned to the District.  

            Once the custodian assigns support rights, the District keeps support received from any noncustodial parent (NCP) in order to repay itself for the TANF benefits provided to the family. Each NCP has an obligation to pay child support, and the assignment of rights includes the support owed by all NCPs. The past-due support money from any NCP also will be applied to the repayment of the family grant once those payments are made. Any arrears left over, after the family grant is repaid, will be paid to the family.

            Basic Services Package

            The CSSD Basic Services Package must be filled out, printed, and brought to CSSD when you meet for the first time.  Please provide as much information as possible to allow CSSD to establish and manage your case effectively.

            Please note that the form cannot be saved with the entered information.  Therefore, it must be filled out and printed at the same time.

            1. This package contains a brochure on Child Support Services Division (CSSD) services and an application form. If you are seeking to establish parentage and/or support from more than one non-custodial parent, complete one form for each.

            2. Read the brochure carefully to determine if you want the services of the Child Support Services Division (CSSD).

            3. Enclose these items when you submit your application:

            • Three certified copies of each out-of-state order; one certified copy of each D.C. order; Copies of the Divorce Decree, Separation Agreements, Custody Order, Birth Certificate, Acknowledgement of Paternity, etc.
            • Proof of Income (e.g., two most recent pay stubs, W-2’s, tax returns, etc.);
            • Proof of D.C. residency (e.g., telephone bill, utility bill, etc.);
            • Proof of identification (e.g., government-issued identification); and
            • A one-time $5.00 non-refundable application fee. Money Orders and Checks ONLY. NO CASH. Make the Money Order/Check payable to the D.C. Treasurer.

            4. The application form must be signed or it will be returned to you.

            5. Please notify CSSD if a private attorney is involved in your case for actions other than child support matters.

            6. Please bring the materials to our office at the following address:

            Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Services Division
            441 4th Street, NW Suite 550 North
            Washington, DC 20001
            Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

            Working with CSSD in Interstate Cases

            US Map

            In an interstate case, the parents live in different states, but asking the DC Superior Court to exercise long-arm jurisdiction to decide the case either is not possible or is not the best option for proceeding.

            If the child(ren)'s primary custodian lives in the District and the other parent lives elsewhere, CSSD can ask the other state's child support agency for help to establish parentage, child support, retroactive child support, medical support, and even to enforce an already established order.

            When the child(ren)'s primary custodian lives in another state and the other parent lives in the District, CSSD cooperates with the custodial parent's state to proceed with the case in an effort to ensure that parentage is established and the children receive the support owed.

            Receive Electronic Payments

            Child support payments can be received electronically through one of two methods.

            1. Payments can be directly deposited into a checking or savings account, or
            2. Payments can be placed on a debit card that the payee can use where ever debit cards are accepted.

            To begin receiving payments electronically, complete an Electronic Payment Application Form. Follow the instructions on the form to email, fax, or mail the completed form to CSSD.  After CSSD receives and processes the form, electronic payments will begin in three to five business days.  Customers with multiple cases only need to fill out one application form. 

            To stop electronic payments, a written request should be sent to the SDU Manger by fax at (202) 585-0982, or mailed to the CSSD office  to the attention of “SDU Manager”. A case number must be included on the request.  After CSSD receives and processes the request, electronic payments will stop within two business days.

            To change an existing electronic payment—perhaps you want to direct the payments to a different bank account, for example—complete a new Electronic Payment Application Form, and indicate that the type of transaction to be “Change”.  Enter the new information and send the form to CSSD.

            Joint account holders should immediately advise both CSSD and the financial institution of the death of an account holder.  Funds deposited after the date of death or ineligibility of the customer are required to be returned to CSSD.

            Incarcerated and Returning Parents

            Frequently Asked Questions -- Incarcerated and Returning Parents

            Is it possible to establish parentage if the person who may be the parent is incarcerated?

            Yes, the parentage establishment process is available for individuals who are incarcerated.

            • If the parents were married to each other or in a registered domestic partnership with each other at the time of the child's conception, birth, or any period in between, then the same presumption of parentage exists as it does for parents when one is not incarcerated.
            • If the parents are not married to each other or in a domestic partnership at the time of birth, conception, or anytime in between, then the same options exist for the voluntary establishment of parentage as for other unmarried individuals.

            For more information about establishing parentage, visit: Establishing Parentage and Paternity.

            Does a parent have to pay child support even if incarcerated?

            A child support obligation continues to run even if a parent is incarcerated.  However, if the parent ordered to pay support seeks a modification of the support order, the court will determine if it is proper to adjust the order during that person's time in jail or prison.

            CSSD encourages parents to explore the possibility of a support modification while incarcerated. If the order is modified to reflect the actual ability to pay while in prison, the parent will leave prison owing little or no child support arrears, which will offer some support to the child(ren) and ease re-entry into society.

            Is it possible to ask that child support be modified at sentencing?

            In 2005, the District of Columbia enacted a law entitled “Notice at Sentencing of Child Support Modification.” The law allows parents ordered to pay support who are being sentenced for 30 days or more for a criminal offense (not related to child support) to seek a modification of their child support order(s). The law also applies to parents whose probations are being revoked and who are facing a sentence of 30 days or more.  If the parent's motion is granted, support is modified from the filing date of the motion and forward.

            For additional information, visit: Modifying a Child Support Order.

            Once a parent is released, what should be done about the child support order?

            The returning parent should contact the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) immediately to provide current address and updated financial information.

            With that information, it may be appropriate for CSSD to file a motion to reinstate the order.  Depending on the person's current financial information, the reinstated order could be set at the same, higher, or lower rate.

            Are services available to help a person after being released?

            Yes! CSSD has several programs that can assist returning parents.

            For more information about services related to child support, visit: Help for Parents Ordered to Pay Support.

            For additional information, visit: the Resources page.

            Bench Warrants

            A bench warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes a person’s arrest. It is called a “bench” warrant because it is issued by the judge while sitting “on the bench” in the courtroom. A bench warrant generally is assigned a bond amount when it is issued.

            A bench warrant is usually issued when a person fails to appear in court on a specific date after receiving a notice or order to appear. Once the warrant is issued, the person is subject to arrest. In child support cases, the person that the judge issues the warrant against is usually the parent who will be or who has been ordered to pay support (often listed as the “respondent” on the warrant).

            Bench Warrant Basics

            The Order or Notice to Appear in Court

            In a local CSSD case, a CSSD investigator or an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) delivers a document entitled “Notice of Hearing and Order Directing Appearance” (NOHODA).  Delivery typically occurs when the CSSD investigator or MPD officer personally serves the respondent with the NOHODA or leaves the document with an adult at the respondent's home or work who accepts it on the respondent's behalf.

            A notice to appear in court also may be given to a respondent who comes to court for a child support hearing and, while there in court, signs and receives a copy of a “Notice to Return to Court” document that provides notice of the next hearing date.

            Additionally, a respondent may receive notice of an upcoming hearing by coming into the CSSD office and accepting service of a child support petition and a NOHODA.

            Steps to Take after Learning of a Bench Warrant

            Upon learning that a bench warrant has been issued, the following steps are recommended:

            • Go immediately to the DC Superior Court.
            • Find the court information window, and inform the clerk of the desire to surrender to the court in response to the bench warrant.
            • Report to the courtroom of the judge who issued the warrant or another judge, if directed.

            In most cases, the judge will “quash” the warrant and provide notice of a new court date for the respondent to sign. (Note that, in some instances, CSSD staff may proceed with the case on that new hearing date, if there is sufficient information, whether or not the respondent appears in court.)

            Arrest Due to a Bench Warrant

            A parent can be taken into custody by MPD once a bench warrant is active. This often happens during traffic stops by the police. Once a parent is arrested, that person will be taken to the cellblock at DC Superior Court. If the parent or another person is able to post the bond, the parent will be released from custody. In most child support cases, if the bond cannot be paid, the parent either will be presented to a judge in the child support contempt courtroom or in the cellblock courtroom. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the judge may release the parent and set a new court date, continue to keep the parent in custody, or conduct a child support hearing at that time.

            Important Reminder

            If a parent comes to court when ordered to appear, a bench warrant will not be issued for that parent's arrest. If a parent learns that a bench warrant has been issued, the recommendation is to go to DC Superior Court as soon as possible; it is better to surrender upon learning about the bench warrant than to be arrested.

            Civil and Criminal Contempt

            Civil Contempt of Court

            CSSD may seek court intervention to encourage payment when a parent appears to be able to pay the ordered support obligation but either consistently fails to pay or consistently pays less than the ordered amount despite CSSD follow-up attempts.

            In such situations, the parent owing support is served with notice of the contempt motion and is ordered to appear before the court to explain why payment has not been made. The court will decide how to proceed based on the evidence presented at the hearing.

              Frequently Asked Questions -- Civil Contempt of Court

              When is a civil contempt action appropriate?

              CSSD typically begins considering a case for civil contempt if there has not been a voluntary payment within 60 days. Voluntary payments are payments made by the parent ordered to pay support or that person's employer.

              In addition to the non-payment of support, CSSD also reviews to ensure that:

              • The case is active.
              • CSSD has a current, valid address for the parent ordered to pay support.
              • The parent ordered to pay is not receiving Social Security disability benefits.
              • The parent ordered to pay is not incarcerated.
              • CSSD did not perform a contempt review in the last 60 days and declined to move forward with contempt at that time.

              Is civil contempt an option for a non-paying parent who does not live in DC?

              A contempt motion may only be filed in the court that has jurisdiction over the parent who is not paying the ordered support. In other words, the court must have authority over that parent, regardless of the person's location. If the non-paying parent has an out-of-state address, CSSD must identify the court with proper jurisdiction for that location or over that parent. A contempt motion may be able to be filed in DC Superior Court, or CSSD may need to work with the child support agency where the parent lives so that the enforcement matter may be handled as an interstate case.

              Is it possible to stop a contempt action before it goes to court?

              It is possible to resolve the non-payment issue before the date of the court hearing on the contempt motion.  For this to happen, the parent ordered to pay support must contact CSSD (or that person's local child support agency) and provide:

              • A suitable lump-sum payment towards both the arrears and current support
              • Documentation of disability or other inability to work
              • Documentation of recent unemployment through no fault of that parent

              CSSD also recognizes that sometimes circumstances change between entry of the current order and the filing of a contempt motion. In those instances, CSSD encourages parents to contact the CSSD Enforcement Unit case management specialist assigned to the case at (202) 724-2316 for instruction about how to move forward with a review and adjustment conference and, if appropriate, for information about next steps to "right size" the order based on the current situation for both parents.

              Criminal Contempt of Court

              Criminal contempt of court is a finding by a court that the parent who was ordered to pay support has willfully failed to comply with the support order.

              Frequently Asked Questions -- Criminal Contempt of Court

              When will CSSD pursue criminal contempt?

              Generally, CSSD will review a case for criminal contempt action when the following requirements have been met:

              • Appropriate administrative enforcement actions fail to collect overdue support.
              • The parent ordered to pay support has not made significant voluntary support payments within the 3 months preceding the criminal contempt referral date.
              • There is a good faith basis to believe that the non-paying parent has the ability to pay child support.

              Are there situations when CSSD will decide not to file a criminal contempt motion?

              In deciding whether to move forward with criminal contempt in cases that meet the basic requirements set out above, CSSD also typically reviews to determine if any of the following apply:

              • No current support is owed; the case is for arrears only.
              • The child has not emancipated and now is living with the parent ordered to pay support.
              • The non-paying parent was receiving TANF or SSI during the period of nonsupport and is receiving TANF or SSI at the time a criminal contempt action is being considered.
              • The non-paying parent was incarcerated during the period of nonsupport or currently is incarcerated and has no income or assets to pay support.
              • The non-paying parent was receiving inpatient drug or mental health treatment during the period of nonsupport or currently is receiving inpatient drug or mental health treatment and has no income or assets to pay support.
              • The parent ordered to pay support has an active wage withholding order, and payments are being received.

              CSSD also recognizes that sometimes circumstances change between entry of the current order and the filing of a contempt motion. In those instances, CSSD encourages parents to contact the CSSD Enforcement Unit case management specialist assigned to the case at (202) 724-2316 for instruction about how to move forward with a review and adjustment conference and, if appropriate, for information about next steps to "right size" the order based on the current situation for both parents.

                Is criminal contempt an option for a non-paying parent who does not live in DC?

                A contempt motion may only be filed in the court that has jurisdiction over the parent who is not paying the ordered support. In other words, the court must have authority over that parent, regardless of the person's location. If the non-paying parent has an out-of-state address, CSSD must identify the court with proper jurisdiction for that location or over that parent. A contempt motion may be able to be filed in DC Superior Court, or CSSD may need to work with the child support agency where the parent lives so that the enforcement matter may be handled as an interstate case.

                  Is it possible to stop a contempt action before it goes to court?

                  It is possible to resolve the non-payment issue before the court hearing on the contempt motion.  For this to happen, the parent ordered to pay support must contact CSSD (or that person's local child support agency) and provide:

                  • A suitable lump-sum payment towards both the arrears and current support
                  • Documentation of disability or other inability to work
                  • Documentation of recent unemployment through no fault of their own.

                  What action(s) will the court order when it finds that a parent willfully disobeyed a lawful support order?

                  The court may order any of the following if a parent is found to be in contempt of court:

                  • A jail term of up to 180 days
                  • Participation in a rehabilitative program
                  • Acceptance of appropriate and available employment, or participation in job search and placement activities
                  • Probation
                  • Any other action the court may direct