Lincoln, NE – On Tuesday(Aug. 19th) at the Nebraska State Capitol, Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring August as Child Support Awareness Month at a ceremony attended by representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
“This program has made a remarkable difference in reducing poverty, improving health and social outcomes, and giving millions of children the stability they need to thrive,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Child Support Program, which has collected more than $786 billion nationwide in child support payments, helping to reduce child poverty and assist families with economic independence.
“What began as an act of Congress in 1975 led to five decades of strengthening families across the nation, and Nebraska is proud to be at the forefront of that mission,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the Office of Economic Assistance (OEA).
The Child Support Program facilitates consistent child support payments, as well as assists families in obtaining support for children through locating parents, establishing paternity, establishing and modifying support obligations, and monitoring and enforcing those obligations.
Nebraska’s Child Support Program is also one of its most cost-effective, as $4.85 is collected for every dollar that is spent. Last year, Nebraska’s program collected $207 million in child support, an amount that was distributed to more than 133,000 children statewide.
“These dollars mean stability for families, a pathway toward self-sufficiency, and brighter futures for our kids,” Corsi said.
To learn more about Nebraska’s Child Support Program, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Support.aspx.
