An overview of the child support problem in the United States considers its causes and effects and the status of the Child Support Enforcement Program, which was established under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (1975). The program is charged with locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and obtaining and enforcing support owed by absent parents to their children. This guide describes the Federal, State, and local roles in this program. The judge's role in expedited judicial and administrative processes for securing child support payments is noted, and guidelines are presented for establishing support obligations. A review of procedures for establishing paternity in the courts includes a description of scientific testing for establishing paternity. Means discussed for enforcing child support obligations include income withholding, judgments, liens against real and personal property, levy and execution, garnishment, civil and criminal contempt, criminal nonsupport, and tax refund interceptions. Defenses against enforcement are outlined, and aspects of interstate child support cases are discussed. 5 exhibits, appended discussion of legislative history and paternity probabilities, and glossary.