The Harris County Domestic Relations Office assists parents in obtaining the financial support necessary for their children to grow up and succeed in life. Harris County enhanced its child support services by implementing the "FOCAS" Program, a partnership of the Domestic Relations Office, Family District Courts, and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
FOCAS is an early intervention program. Every new divorce decree and paternity order is
automatically enrolled into the FOCAS program, pursuant to Harris County Family Trial Division Local Rule 14. Cases where a child is receiving Medicaid or temporary assistance to needy families are transferred and monitored by the Office of the Attorney General.
FOCAS monitors child support and medical support obligations from the date of the Court Order and engages in efforts to keep obligors in compliance. Support obligations are enforced through income withholdings, tax intercepts, liens, litigation and other methods. In addition, FOCAS offers parent locator services; assistance with enrolling children in health insurance plans; provides employment referrals; provides review and adjustment of child support orders; and more.
FOCAS is an early intervention program
Participation in the FOCAS Program is discretionary with the custodial parent.