DCS Most Wanted Program

Questions and Rules

WAC 388-14A-4600

What is the Division of Child Support's DCS Most Wanted Internet site?

1. The division of child support (DCS) maintains the DCS most wanted internet site in an effort to:

   1. Locate responsible parents (also known as noncustodial parents) in order to establish or enforce a child support obligation; and

   2. Collect unpaid child support from noncustodial parents who have a support obligation.

2. Anyone who has information concerning a noncustodial parent (called the "NCP") is encouraged to provide that information to DCS.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.120(2). 99-01-057, filed 12/11/98, effective 1/11/99.]

WAC 388-14A-4605

Whose picture can go on the division of child support's DCS most wanted internet site?

1. If the child's custodial parent (CP) requests DCS to post the NCP to the DCS most wanted internet site (also called the "site"), the CP must:

   1. Have an open full support enforcement services case with DCS;

   2. Give written permission to DCS to post the NCP on the site; and

   3. Provide a photograph of the NCP.

2. Only the NCP's photograph appears on the site. If the CP submits a group photograph, DCS edits out everyone except the NCP.

3. DCS may post an NCP to the site when:

   1. The NCP:

      1. Has made no payments in at least six months (intercepted IRS refunds are not considered to be payments for purposes of this section); and

      2. Owes at least five thousand dollars in back child support; or

   2. DCS has been unable to locate the NCP after trying other means for at least twelve months, and:

      1. There is a valid support order; or

      2. There is a valid paternity affidavit filed for a child on the case, or

      3. The NCP is:

         1. The mother of the child(ren) on the case; or

         2. The presumed father under RCW 26.26.040.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.120(2). 99-01-057, filed 12/11/98, effective 1/11/99.]

WAC 388-14A-4610

How does a noncustodial parent avoid being posted on the DCS Most Wanted Internet site?

1. DCS mails a letter to the NCP's last known mailing address by first class mail before posting an NCP on the site. The letter advises the NCP:

   1. Who cannot be located, to provide DCS with a current address and employer information.

   2. Who owes back support, to:

      1. Pay the back support debt in full; or

      2. Sign a repayment agreement with DCS and make the first payment under that agreement.

2. If the NCP does not comply within twenty days of the date on the letter, DCS may post the NCP to the site.

3. If the NCP wishes to dispute the amount of the support debt, the NCP may request a conference board review under WAC 388-14A-6400. Such a request does not stay (stop) DCS from posting the NCP to the site.

4. If the NCP files a court or administrative action to vacate or modify the support obligation, DCS will stay the posting of the NCP to the site for up to six months. If DCS finds good cause, DCS may extend the stay.

5. If the NCP enters into a repayment agreement, but then misses a payment under the agreement, DCS may post the NCP to the site without further notice to the NCP.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.120(2). 99-01-057, filed 12/11/98, effective 1/11/99.]

WAC 388-14A-4615

When does DCS remove a noncustodial parent from the DCS Most Wanted Internet site?

1. DCS must remove the NCP from the site if:

   1. The NCP pays the back support debt in full;

   2. The NCP files a court or administrative action to modify or vacate the support obligation (subject to the limitations in WAC 388-14A-3700);

   3. The NCP enters into a repayment agreement and makes the first payment under that agreement (subject to the limitations in WAC 388-14A-4520);

   4. The CP withdraws permission for the posting.

2. DCS may remove an NCP from the site even if the NCP has not complied with the requirements of this section.

3. If an NCP receives a warning letter for locate purposes only, DCS must remove the NCP who provides a current address and employment information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.120(2). 99-01-057, filed 12/11/98, effective 1/11/99.]

WAC 388-14A-4620

What information does the Division of Child Support post to the DCS Most Wanted Internet site?

1. DCS may post to the site any information about the NCP which may aid in locating the NCP or collecting child support from the NCP, such as:

   1. Full name and aliases;
   2. Photograph;
   3. Physical description;
   4. Birth date;
   5. Last known address;
   6. Usual occupation;
   7. Number and ages of children;
   8. Amount of back support owed; and
   9. Ongoing monthly support obligation, if any.

2. DCS does not post the names or photographs of the CP or the children.

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Other Questions:

How can I apply for DCS services?

How do I contact the Field Office which handles my case?

How can I get my support order modified?