The Department of Social Services operates under federal and state laws and policies to:

• Establish fatherhood
• Set realistic orders
• Collect payments
• Reduce child support debt

However, DSS does not operate alone; DSS works closely with:

• Partners in the 46 Clerks of Court offices
• The hospitals across the state
• Employers and financial institutions across the country
• Other states and the federal government to ensure cases are handled appropriately when they cross state lines.

Community partners such as:

• The United Way
• The Center for Fathers and Families.