Sonoma County Earns State Child Support Performance Honors

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Sonoma County earned top state honors for helping families establish child support orders, resolve cases without courtroom disputes, and deliver financial support to children faster than other mid-sized California counties.

The California Department of Child Support Services recognized the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services as the highest-performing agency among California's 14 mid-sized counties during the 2025 federal fiscal year based on three key performance measures.

The department established legally enforceable child support orders in 95.3 percent of its cases, the highest rate among comparable counties statewide.

Sonoma County also led all California counties, regardless of size, in helping parents voluntarily reach child support agreements. Officials said 59.4 percent of cases ended with stipulated agreements instead of contested court proceedings, extending a streak in which most county child support cases have been resolved through voluntary agreements every year since 2014.

The department also ranked first among mid-sized counties in delivering financial support to families, with the first child support payment arriving an average of 202 days after a case opened.

"These achievements reflect the County's commitment to helping families resolve child support matters in ways that reduce conflict and put children's needs first," said Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Rebecca Hermosillo. "When parents can work together and families receive the support they need, children have greater stability and families can focus on building a brighter united future, that benefits our entire community."

The Department of Child Support Services acts as a neutral third party, helping families establish parentage, locate noncustodial parents, obtain and enforce child support orders, and secure financial support and medical coverage for children. The agency provides its services at no cost to families.

During 2025, the department managed nearly 9,000 child support cases and distributed approximately $31 million in child support payments to Sonoma County families.

"Our goal is to make the child support process more accessible, supportive, and responsive to the unique needs of each family," said Gigi Mertle, director of the Sonoma County Department of Child Support Services. "We're proud to be recognized for work that has a meaningful impact on children's lives."

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors plans to recognize the department's accomplishments with a Gold Resolution during its Aug. 28 meeting in observance of Child Support Awareness Month.

Throughout August, department staff will participate in community outreach events, meet with local organizations, and distribute educational materials to connect more families with child support services.

Families seeking information or wishing to open a child support case can visit sonomacounty.gov/health-and-human-services/child-support-services or call (866) 901-3212.