Father Chasing His Dream Job Receives Excellent Child Support Case Management

When Jackson retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and moved from California to Arizona in 2020, he needed help with his child support case. “After the marine corps, I was trying to find my dream job,” said Jackson. His dream is to become a licensed clinical social worker and provide therapy for young adults and individuals who are aging.

As a parent who pays for medical support, Jackson relies on the services and communication provided by the DES Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). Child Support Services Officer, Debra Lohnes, was able to help. “Debi has been my case manager since I can remember,” said Jackson. “She’s always there to assist me.” She corresponds between the military and each new employer to confirm he is up to date with his payments. Then she sends a medical support notice informing the employers that he is already providing support for his child and they should not deduct payments from his income. This is important because if this process wasn’t managed properly through each of Jackson’s job transitions, he could have faced enforcement remedies or even duplicate payments for medical support.

As Jackson has continued to search for his dream job through the years, he remained in contact with Debra. In some cases, she even assists with career exploration. “I send [customers] a list of resources to assist them with looking for employment as well as information to sign up for different programs,” said Debra.

Their shared open line of communication was advantageous because despite the challenges career exploration could pose on a child support case, Jackson’s case always remained in good standing. “I try to keep the line of communication open and let them know that I am here for them,” said Debra. “I’m just an email or a direct phone call away.”

From law enforcement and social work to helping veterans, Jackson’s career goals align with public service. “I feel that I am on the right track,” he said. Jackson said he will graduate with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work this month.

Over the last 25 years, many parents and guardians whom Debra assists, have had similar experiences with her service to their family and child support case. "It's rewarding to assist families with their child support needs,” said Debra. “I’ve watched minor children become adults." She is known for earning customer service awards within her unit for going above and beyond to help parents, like Jackson, manage their child support needs. “She is always taking the time to educate me [about the child support process],” said Jackson. “I’m very happy with my child support case worker.”

If you’re a parent or guardian in need of child support services, please contact the DCSS Customer Service Center at 602-252-4045 or 1-800-882-4151. For more information on child support services, please visit the Division of Child Support Services website.