Media Contact
Kiara Nowlin, Community Relations Manager
805-437-8360
kiara.nowlin@ventura.org
CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Child Support Directors Association of California has awarded the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) the 2024 Outstanding Program Award. Presented at its annual Child Support Training Conference on April 24, 2024, this honor recognizes a local child support agency (LCSA) that has consistently exemplified providing quality services to its constituency and its community. This is the first time Ventura County has received the award.
“Our department strives for excellence in the work we do,” said Department Director Marcus Mitchell. “This prestigious honor highlights the dedication of our incredible team and the importance of child support in families’ lives. We continue proudly serving our community, remaining innovative in our approach and working to ensure children receive consistent emotional and financial support from both parents.”
VCDCSS earned this award based on its notable achievements in 2023. In the state’s evaluation of federal performance measures, VCDCSS ranked ninth out of California’s 47 local child support agencies. The department distributed more than $51 million in child support payments to families, contributing to the well-being of 16,953 children. VCDCSS established parentage for 3,054 children, in addition to opening and modifying over 2,000 child support cases. Serving as a major call center, VCDCSS takes calls from child support participants in 21 counties and received over 300,000 incoming calls last year. Striving to connect families to additional resources, the department advanced its partnership with the Workforce Development Board. Every Tuesday, a representative works onsite and provides career services to parents pursuing employment. VCDCSS also actively engages with families and local organizations to increase service awareness and accessibility. The department hosted its second annual Trunk or Treat event in October 2023, achieving a 25% attendance increase from the inaugural event with participation from 21 community organizations.
For more information about the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services, visit childsupport.countyofventura.org.
