Sonoma County's own Department of Child Support Services has once again proven its mettle in what's being hailed as a benchmark for the Golden State's child support system. The agency has garnered top honors for its efforts to foster financial stability and the general well-being of children in split-parent situations. This isn't a new accolade, but a continuation of excellence that's been the department's modus operandi for years.
New figures underscore that 58 percent of the department's cases concluded with stipulated orders last year. For anyone not fluent in legal-ese, a stipulated order is where parents hammer out child support terms outside the more gladiatorial arena of the courts. It's noteworthy because the average is hovering around 23 percent statewide. That's a chasm wide enough to give even the most ardent cynic some pause. And to top it off, it's been a trend in Sonoma County for over a decade, according to the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services.
Metrics-wise, the county is soaring, with nearly 95 percent of child support cases closing with either a court order or a negotiated stipulated agreement. That's no mean feat given that the average across the state trails 87 percent. This attention to results is set to get official recognition through a Gold Resolution, proclaiming August as Child Support Awareness Month, complete with outreach events and education resources.
