WHAT'S NEW

  CSOS:  NEW LOOK AND NEW FEATURES:  CSOS (Child Support Online Services) has a new look and new features!  Check out the updated format, the updated menus, now in easy-to-use tabs across the top of the page, and the new payment features at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/bcs or the updated fact sheet.

The new CSOS lets registered users:

		View and print their payment record for the last 30, 60, or 90 days; the current year-to-date, and the last calendar year.  Payment records are now easy to read, include positive adjustments and refunds, show total payments for the time period selected, and can be printed in an "official" State of Wisconsin format.
		View the current balances due on their case(s).
		Print payment and R&D coupons.
		Update their address and phone number.

Please encourage your customers to use CSOS for all their financial information needs.  Available at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/bcs.  Free, fast, and secure.

  The Douglas County Child Support Agency has received "outstanding performance" awards from the State of Wisconsin for both 2007 and 2008.  The award is for meeting and surpassing all five of the federal governments' performance standards.

  Collections of child support related to Douglas County have averaged over $8 million for the last three years even though the Agency had four staff working 80-90 percent time due to lower reimbursements from the state and federal governments.

  Statistics for the last two calendar years have exceeded statewide averages.

  The Sheriff's Department arrested 46 persons involved in non-payment of support in 2008.

Fraud Information:

		480 investigations were conducted in 2008, compared to just over 250 in both 2006 and 2007.  46% of those cases had some fraud involved.  The investigations saved over $350,000.00 in benefits NOT being paid on illegal public assistance cases.  In addition, over $30,000.00 was actually recovered and the county received an incentive for those collections.
		Three northwest Wisconsin counties have joined with Douglas County to form a consortium for public assistance investigations by our County Investigator.  The first six cases worked on in one of those counties were all found to have fraud involved and the cases were closed.

  Department of Children and Families Honors Douglas County Child Support Agency

  In 2006, more than 50 individuals having a support obligation were arrested for failing to show up for court, failure to purge contempt conditions, or for non-support; a felony.

  Four persons were extradited from other states on Douglas County felony warrants.  One is now in Tennessee awaiting extradition.

  Over $8 million were collected in 2006, although less than 2005 for several reasons.  Wisconsin has a support determination which includes both parents income.  There is a lot more sharing of placement which has a reduction of the amount of support owed attached to it.  Other economic decisions come in to play also.

  Due to the Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, all states have suffered a dramatic loss in funding for the child support programs.  Douglas County could lose $200,000-$250,000 in 2007-2008.  In order to meet the county's budget, four investigators in the Douglas County Child Support Agency have voluntarily reduced their hours, saving between $20,000-$30,000 in county property tax levy.  This agency and the entire number of county agencies across the State of Wisconsin are attempting to get the legislature to back a bill to restore some, if not all, monies currently being cut.  This will be inconvenient for customers needing services from their assigned child support worker, but we have a backup system and a customer can always talk to the Director or Deputy Director. 

  The Child Support Agency staff always welcomes assistance in locating non-payers or their employment so we can get support collected.

  Please check this site every few months for updates and e-mail addresses.

   2005 Highlights