- The Ventura Department of Child Support Services (VCDCSS) provides a wide range of services to families in our community. What do you see as the most important impact your team has on the families you serve?
At the heart of our mission is helping families thrive. Every service we provide, whether it’s establishing parentage, collecting support, or connecting parents to resources—is about creating stability so children can grow in a supportive environment. Our work goes beyond financial transactions; it’s about strengthening family foundations, promoting fairness, and building trust. By staying true to our core purpose, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and every parent feels supported in their role. - Ventura County DCSS has launched Fatherhood Initiatives to support and empower fathers and father figures in their role as parents. Can you share more about this program and the difference it’s making for families?
Our Fatherhood Initiative was created to recognize and celebrate the vital role fathers play in their children’s lives. We’ve hosted “Bootcamp for New Dads”, which provides practical, hands-on tools for the early stages of parenting, and in 2024 we held our inaugural Fatherhood Summit. That event brought together 75 fathers for 21 workshops and a resource fair—connecting them with education, support, and community partners. Fathers walked away empowered, more confident, and better connected to resources that strengthen family bonds. These programs are helping to reshape the narrative by showing that fathers are not only providers, but partners and nurturers, which ultimately creates stronger families and healthier communities. We also have a support group that meets monthly called “Brotherhood in Fatherhood” where fathers can come together and share their experiences, challenges and stories of Success. Finally we are working with other community partners to build a Fatherhood Collaborative to ensure programs serve fathers with father-friendly principles. - Community engagement seems to be a big part of VCDCSS. With events like the upcoming Trunk or Treat, why is it important for VCDCSS to connect with families outside of the traditional office setting?
Events like Trunk or Treat allow us to connect in a fun, approachable way and show families that we are partners in their journey, not just a government agency. These touchpoints outside the office make it easier for families to see the resources and support available to them, strengthening our relationships and our impact. Through events like these we are building our reputation as one that serves children and their parents with a family centric approach. - The Mobile Office has been an exciting new way to bring child support services across Ventura County. How has the community responded, and what locations can families find the Mobile Office at?
The Mobile Office has been a game-changer in how we reach families. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive! Parents appreciate the convenience of accessing services closer to home without needing to travel to our main office. The van brings services directly into neighborhoods, often at libraries, resource centers, and community events. Families can find the latest schedule of locations on our website, where we’ve posted a flyer with all upcoming stops. - For parents or caregivers who may be hesitant to reach out, what message would you share about how VCDCSS can help them and their families?
Reaching out can feel overwhelming, but families should know they don’t have to navigate this journey alone. VCDCSS exists to be a partner in creating stability for children and peace of mind for parents. Our mission is centered on helping families thrive, and we approach every interaction with compassion, fairness, and respect. Whether it’s guiding you through the process, answering questions, or connecting you with resources, we are here to walk alongside you. Taking that first step to contact us is an investment in your child’s well-being—and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. We’re here to help!
Announcement: Our domain has changed to news.venturacounty.gov. Please update your bookmarks.
