Stanislaus County Child Support Holds Workshop for Employers

On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, the Stanislaus County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) hosted an employer workshop to help employers navigate their requirements in complying with child support owed by employees.

Stanislaus DCSS hosted the event to provide local employers practical instruction on processing Income Withholding Orders (IWOs) which is an order served on employers which requires them to garnish or withhold an employee’s wages for payment of child support.

Employers were also provided information on National Medical Support Notices (NMSNs), a two-part notice sent to employers from a local child support agency. Its purpose is to ensure that children receive health care coverage when it's available and required as part of a child support order.

There was also information available to support employers such as how to file an IWO electronically and reporting new hires and independent contractors.  

Stanislaus DCSS’s primary goal in hosting the event was to establish direct contact and build valuable relationships with employers in the community that employ parents who owe child support in Stanislaus County.

A total of 19 employers and 33 staff attended, as well as staff and representatives from other local child support agencies in surrounding regions.

The workshop gave attendees an opportunity to network, meet representatives of Stanislaus DCSS and the California State DCSS. It also gave employers the opportunity to ask questions to help them better understand their role in the child support program.

The employers were provided resource guides such as: Employers Quick Reference Guide, New Hire Reporting and Updating Information, CA DCSS Employer Handbook and many more useful resources.

Evaluations by the attendees collected after the event reflected that participants were very thankful to Stanislaus DCSS for hosting the event and would like to see the workshop offered on an annual basis. 

“The success of this workshop is a direct reflection of the commitment, creativity, and energy of the Stanislaus DCSS Employer Workshop Committee comprising of Tina von Stade, Michael Amarillas, Gaila Brown, Elisa Diaz, Calina Him, Margret Holmes, and Deborah Shindler,” said Baljit Atwal, Acting Director of Stanislaus DCSS. “The workshop will become a regular part of our outreach program.”

###