Child Support Program Roles

The Wisconsin child support program is a combined effort of state, local, and private entities that work together to provide child support services. Below are the roles of each agency.

Child Support Agencies
  • 74 county and tribal child support agencies provide direct case management services for more than 360,000 child support cases.
  • Child support agencies work with local courts, sheriff's departments, and other local agencies to deliver child support services.
  • Each child support agency contracts with a child support attorney to provide legal services. Child support attorneys represent the state.
  • Child support agencies do NOT handle custody or placement issues.
State Bureau of Child Support

The Bureau of Child Support is the state agency that oversees and manages the Wisconsin child support program. To administer the program, the Bureau of Child Support:

  • Contracts with local county and tribal agencies to provide child support services.
  • Maintains the Wisconsin child support computer system used by county and tribal agencies.
  • Provides training for child support agencies.
  • Maintains policies and procedures regarding the child support program.
  • Maintains child support forms and publications available to partner agencies and the public.
  • Maintains the Wisconsin child support program website.
  • Provides performance data to the federal Office of Child Support Services.
  • Oversees the contract with the private vendor operating the Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund.
  • Oversees the contract with the private vendor operating the Wisconsin Way2Go Debit MasterCard.
  • The Bureau of Child Support does NOT manage individual child support cases.
The Wisconsin Support Collection Trust Fund

The Trust Fund is a centralized operation responsible for processing all child support collections and performing activities relating to posting, adjusting, and issuing payments. It also provides the following services to child support participants:

  • Maintains the KIDS Information Line interactive voice response system.
  • Responds to letters and telephone calls from parents concerning child support collections and payments.
  • Provides employers with materials for processing income withholding.
  • Provides pay-by-phone and direct deposit services.
  • Handles employment updates and maintains address information for employers, payors, and payees.
Circuit Courts

The circuit courts in Wisconsin:

  • Conduct child support hearings.
  • Issue child support orders.
  • Have the sole authority for ordering child support, medical support, and changing support orders.
  • Impose civil and criminal enforcement remedies in child support cases.