If public assistance is provided as part of foster care, a court may hold both parents responsible for child support. Custodial parents should be aware that even if a case has already been established against the non-custodial parent, once the child is in foster care, DCSS will establish a separate case for the custodial parent.

If your child has been placed in foster care, you can go immediately to the free Family Court Clinic at 99 Notre Dame Avenue to ask questions about your obligation, or you can consult a private attorney. The Clinic information line is 408.882.2900.

If you want to file an answer to the Summons & Complaint you receive, you can fill out the form that comes with the S&C and take it to the Family Court Clerk''s Office at 99 Notre Dame. It will not be accepted at the Family Support Division or Juvenile Court.

The court uses California child support guidelines to determine the support due in each foster care case. Each parent may be ordered to pay a different amount of child support based on income and other financial considerations.

To receive a copy of the Family Court Clinic brochure, What Will Your Child's Placement Cost You??, call 408-503-5368.