What is the primary function of child support enforcement agencies?

The primary function of child support enforcement agencies is to assist in establishing, collecting, and enforcing child support payments. These agencies play a critical role in ensuring that children receive the financial support needed for their upbringing, especially when parents are separated or divorced. They help to establish paternity when necessary, set support orders, and take actions to collect overdue payments. This can involve working with employers to garnish wages, intercepting tax refunds, and even taking legal action when non-compliance occurs.

By focusing on the enforcement of child support payments, these agencies ensure that custodial parents receive the financial support they are entitled to, fostering the well-being and stability of the child. Other functions such as providing legal representation or overseeing visitation rights do not fall within the core responsibilities of these agencies, which is primarily centered on the financial aspect of child support.