About Child Support
Missouri’s Child Support program began in 1977 under an executive order, and on August 15, 1986, the Child Support program was created by statute. Child Support has the responsibility for operating the Child Support program pursuant to Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (originally adopted as P.L. 93-647) and Chapter 454 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo).
The Child Support program responsibilities include locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing child and medical support orders, monitoring and enforcing compliance with child and medical support orders, reviewing and initiating modification of support orders and distributing support collections.
Child Support customers come from several sources. When a custodial parent receives Temporary Assistance or MO HealthNet benefits, a referral is made to the Child Support program. Child Support collections on behalf of households receiving public assistance not only eliminate dependence on assistance programs, but reimburse the state for the benefits provided to these families.
Individuals not receiving public assistance benefits may apply for Child Support services. To request an application, contact any Child Support office, access the application online, or call 1-800-859-7999.
The Child Support program consists of a Central Office located in Jefferson City, two regional offices, and field offices across the state. The field offices are comprised of supervisory, investigative and support staff. In addition, local prosecuting attorneys and circuit court clerks assist with Child Support responsibilities. The majority of prosecutors in Missouri provide legal support (e.g., the filing of paternity actions, criminal nonsupport and enforcement actions) for cases Child Support staff refer to them. Circuit court clerks support Child Support staff by filing legal documents and providing copies of documents already on file.
The Family Support Payment Center, located in Jefferson City, receives and disburses support on behalf of families. Child Support collections for fiscal year 2020 were over $699 million.