1. Judicial Council Administrative Office of the Courts Child Support Program Michael Wright Program Manager/Supervising Attorney

2. Court Child Support Program Background Governor’s Child Support Task Force (1993-1995) Court Reform Legislation (1996) (AB 1058) Creation of specialized commissioners Judicial establishment/enforcement of child support Simplified procedures and forms Uniformity to help streamline process Establish Family Law Facilitators

3. Role of the Administrative Office of the Courts Provide policymaking direction Provide funding to local courts Provide training for all program court staff Develop rules of court and forms Judicial branch liaison to DCSS Program communication hub

4. Standard Agreements State DCSS to Administrative Office of the Courts AOC to Local Courts Local Plans of Cooperation between local child support agencies and the court

5. State DCSS –AOC Agreement Separate Agreement for CSC & FLF Provides statewide lump sum funding Requires compliance with federal program regulations Comply with state legislative mandates Meet & confer regarding program problems

6. AOC-Court Agreements Minimum qualifications of commissioners Priority of Title IV-D actions Requires annual plan of cooperation between court and local agencies Allocate local court funding for CSC & FLF Allocation per formula + historical spending + special needs Annual base allocation w/midyear adjustment/reallocation Block grant with expectations of certain basic services

7. Local Plans of Cooperation Priority for Title IV-D hearings Processing time standards Quarterly POC meetings Meet and confer prior to peremptory challenge of commissioner Miscellaneous local issues

8. Court Program Funding Commissioners FY 08/09 ($45 million) Facilitator FY 08/09 ($15 million) Amounts include new federal draw down option Fiscal Year 08/09 funding was reduced 9% Non-Title IV-D Funding (Trial Court Funds)

9. Challenges to Effective Working Relationship Organizational cultural differences Distinct legal roles and responsibilities Lack of understanding of others decision-making processes Failure to communicate decision-making rationales Lack of communication infrastructure

10. Tips to Enhance Effective Working Relationship Acknowledge differing perspectives and roles Identify and memorialize respective roles, responsibilities and agreements Identify and emphasize common program goals Develop a culture of communication Develop regular forums for communication Develop mechanisms for conflict resolution

11. Current Hot Issues Funding Internal Guideline Calculator Court Statewide Automation Project (CCMS) Facilities Elkins Task Force Child Support Guideline Study

12. Contact Information Michael Wright michael.wright@jud.ca.gov