To: Board of Supervisors
From: Matt Brega, Child Support Services Director
Report Title: Child Support Awareness Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution proclaiming August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Director of Child Support Services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
In August 1995, President Bill Clinton officially proclaimed August as National Child Support Awareness Month to ensure America’s continued focus on child support and paternity establishment efforts. States across the country continue to observe National Child Support
Awareness Month every August by celebrating the strides they have made to ensure that children receive the financial and emotional support they deserve from their parents.
Each year in California, the Governor proclaims August as Child Support Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Parenting can be complicated. Support can be simpler.”, recognizes the ongoing work to make the child support process clearer, easier to understand, and more accessible for parents.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
August 2026 will not be recognized as Child Support Awareness Month in Contra Costa County.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month in Contra Costa County.
WHEREAS, August is Child Support Awareness Month, a time across the country and in California to recognize the responsibilities parents manage when raising children together; and
WHEREAS, this year’s theme is “Parenting can be complicated. Support can be simpler.” and highlights Contra Costa County’s ongoing work to make the child support process clearer, easier to understand, and more accessible for parents; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County’s Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides services that help parents through every step, including setting up and changing court orders, locating parents, completing genetic testing, arranging medical support, and handling payment collection and distribution; and
WHEREAS, these services are free or low-cost to ensure all families can get the support they need; and
WHEREAS, the Department’s purpose is to listen to, respect and support customers so that children can receive the emotional and financial support they need to thrive; and
WHEREAS, this is accomplished by providing process education, customer access, and flexible enforcement to support consistent child support payments; and
WHEREAS, during Child Support Awareness Month, Contra Costa County DCSS renews its commitment to reach those who need services and provide results; and
WHEREAS, by offering tools that make the process more transparent and flexible, Contra Costa County DCSS aims to help parents focus on what matters most: creating stable, nurturing environments where children can grow and thrive.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaim August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month in Contra Costa County.
end