Department of Child Support Services in Orange County, CA filed an Abstruct Judg. 3 years ago on the non-custodial parent. He just sold his residence as a short sale at the end of March 2011.
On the first week of April, Department of Child Support removed that Judgment by filing a Release at clerk's office. However, there was and still is a balance owed in child support of over $1,000.00.

I asked them why did they release the Abstruct Judgment and they answered: This Department cannot provide you with the information you are requesting in regards to the Release of an Abstract Judgment as it relates to non-custodial parent. Doing so would be a clear breach of his rights to confidentiality.
1. Why would Department release the judgment?
2. Can they release a judgment when money has not been paid?
3. Is my child at risk of never collecting the support owed?
Please help me with an answer to this issue.

So don't ask why they released the judgment, ask what they are doing to collect the balance of the arrears.

Also ask for a copy of the statute or rule that requires to keep the information confidential. Since you are an interested party as the recipient of the support, it would seem to me you have a right to know.

So don't ask why they released the judgment, ask what they are doing to collect the balance of the arrears.

Also ask for a copy of the statute or rule that requires to keep the information confidential. Since you are an interested party as the recipient of the support, it would seem to me you have a right to know.

Scott the OP is dealing with Orange County California. They have been red flagged many times for issues dealing with child support cases. That aside if the arrears are below $1,000 as the OP has stated. They aren't going to pursue it with vigor. The only time things kick in is after it reaches $1,500. That is the only time they can level up. $1,500 is a federal level. Its also possible that the support may have been owed to the state and a settlement has been reached between the state and the NCP. In that case its not for the custodial parent to know that or not.