August ‘Child Support Awareness Month’

Staff/VW County CSEA information

Ohio Governor John R. Kasich and the Van Wert County Commissioners have designated August as Child Support Awareness Month.  Child support enforcement agencies around the state are conducting activities that emphasize the theme, “Support Your Children, Support Their Dreams.”

According to Dyann M. Balyeat, deputy director of the Van Wert County Child Support Enforcement Agency, this year’s theme focuses on recognizing the importance of investing in a child’s future by supporting children both emotionally and financially.

“We feel it is important to emphasize that Ohio’s Child Support Program offers a broad range of services to parents, caretakers, and children that are vital to strengthening families,” Balyeat said. “Van Wert County CSEA recognizes and acknowledges all those parents and caretakers who are committed to the well-being of their children and who support their children, and their dreams, every day.”

Van Wert County activities planned throughout the month in recognition of Child Support Awareness Month include: the display of Child Support Awareness posters at various county offices and businesses, holding an agency open house, and the issuance of a county proclamation by the Van Wert County Board of Commissioners.

There are currently 1990 active child support cases in Van Wert County.  Van Wert County CSEA statistics for calendar year 2011 include:

• Collections totaling $4,266,830
• 13 administrative support determination hearings scheduled
• 24 administrative paternity determinations
• 136 Common Pleas Court hearings scheduled
• 342 Juvenile Court hearings scheduled
• 215 driver’s license suspensions
• Six criminal non-support Indictments

In conjunction with Child Support Awareness Month, Van Wert County CSEA will be holding  an open house on Tuesday, August 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 114 E. Main St. in Van Wert.  Child support case managers will be on hand to discuss services available, make referrals, and provide applications to interested parties.

There will also be staff available during the open house hours to discuss specific cases and situations, including offering reinstatement agreements for individuals whose driver’s or professional licenses are currently under suspension or pending suspension.

For more information, contact the Van Wert County Child Support Enforcement Agency at 419.238.9566.