The Division of Child Support is here to work with incarcerated parents as they make their return into the community. We can help you provide a vital support to your child, to ensure their well-being and give them a secure future.

Our agency currently offers programs for returning citizens to assist with employment, making payments, and modifications to support orders.  Stark County also has an active Citizen’s Circle, a group that meets monthly to link returning citizens to community providers. The Citizen Circle meets at the Goodwill Campus in Canton on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m.  Contact the Goodwill for more information.     

Here are some helpful resources to explain more about the child support process, programs, and how to make payments.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): These FAQs will answer basic questions about court, support orders, and enforcement. For example, questions range from “how do I dress in court?” to “what will happen if I just don’t pay?”.
  • Paternity Fact Sheet: Paternity establishment is the legal determination of fatherhood. By establishing paternity, a father gains the right to seek custody and parenting time. This flyer will guide you through the process of establishment and what it means.  
  • Administrative Review & Adjustment Process Information Sheet: Review and adjustment is commonly known as a “modification”.  It is the process by which a child support obligation is reviewed to reflect the current financial situation of both parties. Read this document to learn what happens during the review, what documents are needed, and what to do if you don’t agree with the findings.  
  • Reduction of Permanently Assigned Arrears Information Sheet: This is a program that CSEA may use to reduce or forgive past due child support owed to the state. Read through this sheet to determine if your case qualifies. 
  • Child Support Customer Service Web Portal Information: Through the State Office of Child Support, customers can create an online account to access their active child support case and make payments: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ocs. Click here to review registration tips and user information.
  • Smart e-Pay Flyer: The State of Ohio offers e-Pay to accept payments using direct debit, American Express, China UnionPay, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Alipay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and WeChat Pay. Access their mobile website at oh.smartchildsupport.com. Download the flyer for instructions to get the app through iTunes, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store.  
  • Stark County Parenting Time Order (PTO) Program: If you are looking to establish a court ordered visitation schedule. The Stark County Fatherhood Coalition may be able to help.  This program is for both non-custodial mothers and fathers who do not have access to see their children.