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For more information about the 1st Judical District and Jefferson County Child Support Services - contact the Court Team Supervisor:
For more information about the 1st Judical District and Jefferson County Child Support Services - contact the Court Team Supervisor:
Katie Smith
Katie Smith
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
The Child Support Problem Solving Court will assist parents in overcoming barriers to paying child support rather than immediately requesting sanctions. Addressing barriers will ultimately result in compliance and benefit families.
The Child Support Problem Solving Court will assist parents in overcoming barriers to paying child support rather than immediately requesting sanctions. Addressing barriers will ultimately result in compliance and benefit families.
ABOUT THE CHILD SUPPORT PROGRAM
In 1974, the Child Support Program was federally mandated to recover public assistance
The Child Support Program establishes paternity, support obligations, medical support, and modifies and enforces child support orders
The application for services fee is $20.00 unless receiving public assistance
Colorado’s child support collection goal is 66%; Jefferson County collected 67.7%
In 2014 Jefferson County collected 32 million dollars that was disbursed to families or used to reimburse public assistance
Administrative remedies include drivers license suspension, tax and lottery intercepts, suspension of professional licenses and passports
When administrative enforcement remedies don’t work then contempt of court is used
TRADITIONAL CONTEMPT COURT MODEL
The parent appears at an advisement hearing and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty
The parent could be found in contempt and be sentenced to jail for his/her failure to pay with the court order
There could be multiple hearings with the parent appearing before different magistrates
A jail sentence of 180 days at the rate of $70 per day costs the tax payers $1,260
The underline barriers of unemployment, disability or mental health issues, financial illiteracy, substance abuse and unrealistic orders are rarely addressed
PROBLEM SOLVING COURT MODEL
A collaborative partnership involving the courts, child support services, human services and community based organizations
One dedicated magistrate is more effective in building a relationship through positive encouragement towards the goal of compliance
A team of dedicated staff that share the same problem solving philosophy that includes child support case managers, resource navigator, non-custodial parent specialist, and a county attorney
Provide resources and support to assist motivated participants to overcoming their barriers
Graduated sanctions: community service, electronic home monitoring, and work release
Compliance is rewarded by non-appearance through paper reviews
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