California Department of Social Services - State Hearings Division
Notes from the Training Bureau - May 28, 1999

There is pending legislation (Assembly Bill 472) to authorize the SHD to again have jurisdiction over child support collection or distribution as well as other issues specified in the legislation. AB 472 also provides for standing in state hearings for both the custodial and noncustodial parent. These "Notes" will advise readers of future developments.

At present, there is no authority in the SHD state hearing process over child support collection or distribution issues. (see Pereira-Goodman v. Anderson (1997) 63 Cal. Rptr. 197)

If a Judge has a child support collection or distribution issue in a hearing, he/she must dismiss the claim. Judges should however advise claimants that per the Barnes v. Anderson case they have a right to a dispute resolution process. This process includes an informal or formal grievance procedure with the county. If a claimant is dissatisfied with the results of the county grievance procedure, Barnes permits the individual to request a state level formal review by contacting the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Support Program Assistance Bureau, Post Office Box 944245, Sacramento, California 94244-2450.