What is the Child Support Agency (CSA) and what services do they provide?

The Child Support Agency (CSA) is a government agency dedicated to assisting separated parents in ensuring financial support for their children. The CSA offers various services to achieve this goal. Firstly, they assess and establish the amount of child support that should be paid, based on income and other relevant factors. They also provide assistance in locating the non-resident parent if their whereabouts are unknown. Once the child support is determined, the CSA manages the collection and distribution of payments, ensuring they are made regularly and on time. In case of non-compliance, they have the authority to take enforcement actions, such as garnishing wages or intercepting tax refunds. Additionally, the CSA offers guidance and advice for parents involved in child support matters, including information on rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution. Their objective is to promote financial security and well-being for children while supporting parents in their parenting role.