2026 OCAP State of the Child Report

CHILD SUPPORT CONSISTENT PAYMENTS HELP RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAMILIES MEET CHILDREN’S NEEDS DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator measures child support activity in Riverside County, including the total number of child support cases, average collections per case, and the distribution of child support payments to families.

Why is this indicator important?

Findings 1 • Riverside County managed a total of 76,602 child support cases in 2024-2025. The average amount collected per case was $2,831.92. These collections represent an important source of income for many households with children and contribute to overall family stability. • Riverside County child support collections have increased by more than 9% from 2019 2020 ($169.6 million) to 2024-2025 ($185 million). statewide system that delivers substantial financial resources to families each year. Approximately $185 million dollars in child support are distributed annually, with 86.3% of payments distributed directly to families in California. This high distribution indicates that a majority of child support collections are reaching families rather than being retained for administrative or reimbursement purposes. • The scale of the caseload and the level of funds distributed highlight the importance of maintaining effective child support services to promote economic security and positive outcomes for children. • Child support payments distributed in Riverside County are part of a broader

Child support plays a critical role in promoting the financial stability and well-being of children by ensuring that noncustodial parents contribute to their children’s basic needs. Consistent child support payments help families meet essential expenses such as housing, food, education, and health care, and can reduce reliance on public assistance programs. Monitoring child support caseloads and payment distribution provides insight into the effectiveness of child support systems and their impact on family economic security.

1 Riverside County Department of Child Support Services. (n.d.). Reports. https://dcss.ca.gov/reports/

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