Overview
Child support is an emotionally charged topic that can have a huge impact on people’s lives. It involves a complex system of laws, policies and procedures that are often misunderstood, leading to challenges when engaging with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Child Support. During this event, DCS Management Analyst Jim Ward will provide an overview of how the child support system works and answer common questions like:
- How does a case get opened?
- How is parentage established?
- How is child support calculated?
- How is child support collected?
- What can I do if the order is inaccurate?
- What resources are available to me?
- How can I receive child support?
A live question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
About Our Presenter
Jim Ward, Management Analyst, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Economic Services Administration, Division of Child Support
Jim joined DCS in June 2012 after a 22-year career in the U.S. Army. Early in his career with DCS, Jim became involved in veteran outreach events and became a military and veteran liaison for the Olympia child support office. He expanded his outreach efforts to include the Washington State Department of Corrections and was instrumental in expanding DCS outreach to DOC facilities.
Before his appointment as DCS management analyst in 2022, Jim served as a support enforcement officer, lead worker and supervisor in the Olympia DCS office. Jim’s work with the Washington Fatherhood Council grew naturally from his work with veteran and justice-impacted fathers.
Jim and his wife, Myong, have been married for 29 years. They have two adult children and are expecting their first grandchild in May.