Placer County Department of Child Support Services Initiates Videoconferencing with Placer Superior Courts

Published on Nov 28, 2008 - 6:42:33 AM

By: Placer County Department of Child Support Services

Nov. 26, 2008 - The Placer County Department of Child Support Services has successfully initiated the "1058 Window Project" in partnership with the Placer Superior Court by videoconferencing court proceedings, which allows court documents to be created in one day rather than six weeks or more.

As a result, families can receive child support payments much more quickly, and a parent who must pay can more easily avoid being late or facing interest charges.

Troy Held, Director of the Placer County Child Support Services and Don Schell, Assistant Court Executive Officer of the Placer Superior Courts worked together to implement the videoconferencing project.

"I am excited that the project has been initiated," Mr. Held stated. "It will significantly increase our efficiency and provide better service to the families who are our customers."

The first videoconferencing occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 26 between the main child support office in Auburn and the county's new Bill Santucci Justice Center courtroom in Roseville. Videoconferencing, combined with the use of laptop computers, allowed staff to create and serve necessary court orders before leaving the courtroom. Previously, the orders had to be completed after the court session and were served approximately six weeks later, delaying child support payments to families.

Videoconferencing also allows for instant feedback between the Child Support staff and the Court team for verification of important information when needed.

Mr. Held developed the idea in 2003, naming it the "1058 Window Project" after the legislation that made it possible. The project was first implemented in the Superior Court of Nevada County with the Sierra Nevada Regional Department of Child Support Services.

"We believe this project will substantially benefit Placer County families, and will save money for both the state and county by improving efficiency," said Mr. Held. Funding for the project was awarded by a grant from the Placer County Air Pollution Control District.

For more information, contact the Placer County Department of Child Support Services by calling 530-889-5723 or send email to childsupport@pldcss.ca.gov.

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