August Child Support Month

The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced last week, that Governor David A. Paterson has issued an official Proclamation declaring August as Child Support Month in New York State, highlighting how essential child support payments are to a child's well-being.

"The enforcement and collection of child support are critical components of our work because in many cases receiving child support is the difference between public assistance and self-sufficiency for a custodial parent and their children," said Kristin Proud, Deputy Secretary for Human Services, Technology and Operations, who is currently overseeing OTDA. "Children who have support, financial and emotional, from both parents are less likely to engage in unhealthy and unproductive behaviors, and more likely to do well in school and succeed later in life."

New York State's child support program, administered by OTDA, provides custodial parents with assistance in obtaining financial support and medical insurance coverage for their children by locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing support orders and collecting and distributing child support payments. The program serves more than 1 million children across the state.

In 2009, in spite of the ongoing recession, the State collected a record $1.7 billion on behalf of these children and families. Through the first half of 2010, collections are slightly ahead of last year's pace.

"Children need support from their parents and child support professionals across the State are committed to collecting the support due to New York's children as efficiently and effectively as possible," said Deputy Commissioner Scott Cade, who oversees OTDA's Center for Child Well-Being.