New York City Office of Child Support Services Walk-in Center - New York, NY

NYC Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) Walk-in Center

Agency Mission and Role

The New York City Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), part of the Human Resources Administration (HRA), is dedicated to ensuring that children receive the financial and medical support they deserve from both parents. The Walk-in Center located at 151 West Broadway offers a direct, face-to-face point of contact for parents and guardians navigating the child support system. The agency operates with a philosophy that child support is not just about money, but about the well-being and stability of families. They serve custodial parents (parents the child lives with), non-custodial parents (parents the child does not live with), and guardians, regardless of their income or immigration status.

Key Services Provided

Visitors to the Walk-in Center can access a comprehensive range of services designed to establish and enforce support agreements. The professional staff can assist with:

• Parentage Establishment: Helping unmarried parents establish legal fatherhood through the Acknowledgement of Parentage (AOP) or genetic testing coordination.
• Order Establishment: Assisting with the process of filing petitions in Family Court to create new child support and medical support orders.
• Enforcement and Collection: Implementing measures to collect unpaid support, which may include income withholding, tax refund intercepts, or suspension of licenses, while also offering guidance on how to address arrears.
• Modification and Relief: Educating non-custodial parents about programs to modify orders if their financial situation has changed, or debt reduction programs for those who qualify.

Visiting the Center

The Walk-in Center is designed to be accessible and user-friendly. While appointments can be helpful, walk-ins are welcome for general inquiries and case assistance. The facility provides a safe and confidential environment to discuss sensitive family matters. When visiting, it is recommended to bring valid photo identification, current case information (if applicable), and any relevant court documents or financial records to help the staff assist you more efficiently. The center is distinct from the Family Court itself but works closely with the legal system to ensure orders are managed correctly.

Community Support

Beyond enforcement, OCSS focuses on connecting parents with employment services and mediation to foster better co-parenting relationships. The office provides multilingual support to serve New York City's diverse population. This location is a vital resource for ensuring that the financial responsibilities of parenting are met, ultimately aiming to reduce child poverty and improve outcomes for children across the five boroughs.