PRIVACY POLICY STATEMENT
The California Department of Child Support Services is committed to safeguarding the privacy rights of individuals and ensuring the confidentiality of personal information in compliance with state and federal laws. Our handling of personal information is governed by the Information Practices Act (Civil Code §1798 et seq), Social Security Act, the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), the Public Records Act, the California Family Code, and other applicable laws and regulations.
This statement explains the types of personal information we collect, how it is used, your rights regarding your personal information, and the measures we take to protect it.
- Type of Information We Collect
- How We Use Your Information
- How We Share Your Information
- Use of Cookies
- User Responsibilities
- Public Records Act and Privacy
- Access, Correction, and Deletion of Information
- Data Security and Retention
- Third-Party Sites
- Privacy Office Contacts
Type of Information We Collect
We collect two types of information:
- Personal Information: As defined by the Information Practices Act, personal information is information that can identify or describe an individual, such as names, Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and financial or medical information. This information is collected only when relevant and necessary and as authorized by laws and regulations.
- Electronically Collected Personal Information: We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website, including your Internet Protocol (IP) address, domain name, the type of browser and operating system you use, the date and time of your visit, the pages you visit, and the forms you download.
We do not collect names, Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, financial or medical information from individuals who simply browse our websites. We may collect such types of Personal Information directly from individuals who use some of our services. Personal information collected is only for specific purposes that are stated at or before collection.
At the time of collecting information from you, we will inform you about the purpose of data collection, the legal authority for collection, and conditions under which data may be shared. This notice will ensure transparency with respect to how personal information is handled.
How We Use Your Information
Personal Information is not used, disclosed, or otherwise made available for purposes other than those specified, except with the consent of the subject of the data, or as authorized by law. Some of these uses include:
- Establishing and enforcing child support orders.
- Collecting and distributing child support payments.
- Providing child support services.
- Communicating with you about your case or program updates.
- Improving our services and website.
- Complying with legal requirements.
User Responsibilities
Users are responsible for having appropriate safeguards to protect their device when interacting with Child Support Services as well as adhering to our privacy protection practices requirement, including those related to data sharing and security practices.
Public Records Act and Privacy
The California Public Records Act generally grants the public access to government records, but there are exemptions to disclosure. Child Support Services responds to Public Records Act requests and provides access to public records that are not exempt. You can find more information in our Public Records Act Requests webpage. Electronically collected personal information from users or visitors to our websites is exempt from requests made under the Public Records Act.
Access, Correction, and Deletion of Information
Individuals have the right to access certain personal information on them maintained by Child Support Services and to request correction of any inaccuracies in such records.
Individuals have the right to have Electronically Collected Personal Information deleted, without reuse or distribution. You can submit your written request by mail:
California Department of Child Support Services
P.O. Box 419064
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9064
ATTN: Office of Communication and Public Affairs
Data Security and Retention
Child Support Services implements safeguards to protect Personal Information against loss, unauthorized access, use, modification, or disclosure. Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards such as encryption, access controls, firewalls, and regular security audits, ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Personal Information.
Personal information is retained only to fulfill its intended purpose and in compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Third-Party Sites
Our privacy and security policies do not apply to third-party websites that may be accessible through links on our website. Please review the privacy policies and terms of use of these third-party sites. We do not control and are not responsible for the operation, content, privacy policies or the security of such linked sites.
Privacy Office Contacts
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy Statement, comments, or complaints related to privacy, you may contact our Privacy Officer:
DCSSRiskandPrivacyOffice@dcss.ca.gov
California Department of Child Support Services
P.O. Box 419064
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9064
ATTN: Privacy Officer
Effective: November 1, 2025
Last reviewed/revised: October 6, 2025