San Diego Child Support Serves Homeless Veterans and Makes it On the Big Screen

In San Diego County, DCSS participated in a three-day “Stand Down” event hosted by Veterans Village of San Diego near Balboa Park where DCSS reviewed more than 500 applications and assisted 38 people with their cases according to the San Diego County News Center. The Stand Down event is a three-day opportunity for homeless veterans to receive assistance in addressing health, hunger, legal or warrant problems including receiving free legal assistance and modifying child support orders. 

A homeless veteran on the right is counseled by an attorney at Child Support Court.

“(San Diego) DCSS’s commitment to enhancing community partnerships allows us to look at our participants holistically and collaborate with them to find a resolution unique to their situation,” said Anne Kelly, Communications Manager for San Diego DCSS.

San Diego County DCSS has also partnered with the San Diego Padres major league baseball team for a unique way to reach the thousands of families that attend baseball games at Petco Park. Throughout the month of August the San Diego Padres will air one of the CSAM-themed posters on one of the park’s jumbotrons. 

“We are fortunate to have several great community partners, such as the San Diego Padres, who help us promote the positive effect we have on our children’s future,” said San Diego DCSS Assistant Director, Steve Lujan. “Baseball is a sport that brings families together and for the last several years the Padres helped promote our brand by displaying positive messaging about child support on their scoreboard between innings throughout the month of August.”

The new entrance to the National City Child Support Services Department Office

Earlier this year San Diego DCSS celebrated the dedication of their new building in National City. The repurposed building, now called the South Region Live Well Center at National City, now houses San Diego DCSS, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Family Resources and Department of Aging. Clients will be able to enjoy a “one-stop” shop of services for child support, enrolling in Affordable Care Act healthcare, applying for CalFresh to put food on the table, find in-home care and veterans can get help with the federal benefits they’ve earned.These services are provided year-round.

“Child Support Awareness month is recognized in San Diego each year during the month of August to focus on the importance of providing financial support for children,” said San Diego DCSS Director Jeff Grissom. “It also recognizes the great child support professionals in San Diego and the responsible parents who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children emotionally and financially.”

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By: Dana Simas

Communications Director

CA. Dept. of Child Support Services