The Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille children are the most valued resources of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and constitute the future of the Tribes. The purpose of the Department of Human Resource Development (DHRD) Tribal Child Support Enforcement Program (TCSEP) is to enforce the child’s right for support (financial, medical, and emotional) from both parents in order to raise the standard of living for Tribal children. This program will work in collaboration with all agencies and departments to help meet the needs of the entire family.
Department Director: Hank Conko-Camel
Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext 1284
Fax: (406) 226-2671
Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00am – 5:30pm
**TCSEP staff are available Fridays from 8:00am – 12:00pm, or by appointment after hours.
Our Work
TCSEP is guided by the following principles:
- Children are our highest priority;
- Reliable Child Support is crucial for families striving for self-sufficiency;
- Stay consistent with CS&KT values and customs;
- All participants are treated fairly and kept informed;
- Recognize and work to address the needs of every family;
- Build strong and committed partnerships;
- Provide public education and outreach;
- Promote a stable, safe, and healthy relationship between parents and children by participating in community efforts to strengthen families, promote healthy marriage and responsible parenthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the Child Support Process?
Yes. A checklist is provided with application, examples include Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards and or previous Court Orders.
Can I get Child Support if dad is not on the Birth Certificate?
Yes. TCSEP utilizes an accredited genetic testing laboratory of reputable standing. TCSEP Case workers must be trained and certified to collect DNA samples and these collections will take place in approved locations of TCSEP.
Can I get Child Support the Non-Custodial Party does not work or report income?
Yes. If the Non-Custodial Party is unemployed or is working below full earning capacity, the TCSEP recommendation may determine the full gross income earning capacity by averaging part-time work into full-time work, or by imputing income, or determining the Non-Custodial Party’s full working income, based on prior history.
Is TCSEP exclusively for Tribal Members?
TCSEP will work to establish, modify and enforce Child Support for all cases in the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court, and in any case that is appropriately referred from a foreign judgement.
How do I modify my current Child Support Order?
When there has been a substantial change in income of the Non-Custodial Party, or other factors that determined the original support obligation, a participant may request a modification by submitting a signed and completed Modification Request Form to TCSEP.
Grounds for a modification of Child Support Order may include but not limited to:
- A substantial (15% increase or decrease) in the gross income that was the basis of the current support order;
- A change in Custody of a Child;
- A change in the Tribal Child Support Guidelines and Schedule; or
- Other substantial change in circumstance that justifies a modification.