New name, mission and vision guide association’s legislative advocacy initiatives to strengthen the financial security of California’s children
SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Today, a leading association advocating for parental support for children in California announced its rebrand and priorities for its legislative advocacy initiatives.
Previously the Child Support Directors Association (CSDA), the nonprofit organization is now the California Child Support Association (CalCSA). The Board of Directors and Association members also approved changes to redefine the organization’s guiding vision as, “All children have support from their parents,” and mission as, “Advocating for the support of California’s children.”
CalCSA also announced the launch of its 2026 legislative platform to strengthen the financial security of California’s children by increasing participation in the child support program. The rate of child poverty in California is 18 percent, well above the national average of 13 percent. Numerous studies show that child support payments significantly reduce child poverty. The program is effective in facilitating the transfer of financial support from a higher income non-custodial parent to a lower income custodial parent and child. Additionally, families receiving child support are more likely to have other stable income and rely less on public assistance programs. However, the child support program in California is currently underutilized.
During the current legislative session, CalCSA and its members will engage in advocacy in support of measures that modernize outdated statutes, remove barriers to access and reach unserved families. These include:
(1) Improving family access through enhanced enrollment in child support services. CalCSA is endorsing legislation sponsored by Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen that will increase participation in child support cases through automatic enrollment, thereby bolstering economic stability for families and children without additional taxpayer funding.
(2) Securing additional child support payments through probate notification reform. CalCSA is proposing an amendment to Probate Code §9202 to require notice of probate petitions to be delivered to the Department of Child Support Services so that claims may be asserted for child support payments legally owed to dependents of a decedent.
(3) Strengthening the financial stability of California’s child support program. CalCSA will advocate for appropriate funding for Local Child Support Agencies and to protect federal financial participation.
CalCSA and its members will engage with state lawmakers on these topics at its annual Policy Symposium on March 10; increase efforts to foster strategic partnerships at all levels of government; and partner with courts, counties and community organizations throughout the year.
CalCSA Executive Director Michael J. Smitsky said: “CalCSA’s updated name, mission and vision represent the Association’s renewed commitment to the families we serve and the results we are working to achieve. In 2026 and beyond, the Association will focus its efforts on advocating for California’s children at the State Legislature, engaging with stakeholders involved in the well-being of families, and driving toward a future where the child support program successfully reduces child poverty.”
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About CalCSA
The California Child Support Association (CalCSA) is a nonprofit organization comprised of the local child support agencies representing over 6,000 employees across California’s 58 counties. Established in 2000, the association supports local child support agencies and advocates for California’s children so that all children have support from their parents. Learn more at https://csdaca.org. Sign up for email updates to learn more about CalCSA’s legislative campaign.
CSDA is not a local child support agency and does not process child support cases. For information or assistance with a personal child support case, contact a local child support agency at the county or regional level.
Chelsie Jeppson
California Child Support Association
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