The agency’s case load has grown since 1998 from about 8,000 cases to more than 12,000 involving 15,321 children in 2009.
“It’s challenging, but we have a great group of people who take pride in the work and truly care about families,” said director Beth Anne Schorr.
Last year, the department collected more than $36.6 million in child support. Schorr said collections are running this year about $723,000 ahead of last year.
The agency operates on an annual budget of $3.5 million, with 80 percent of that coming from the federal government. The remainder of the agency’s budget comes from state and county sources, Schorr said.
She said the Warren County agency is one of the most cost-effective CSEAs in Ohio, as it collects nearly $13 for every $1 spent in its efforts.
But, while the agency has had success, there are still parents out there not holding up their responsibilities.
The top 10 of parents in Warren County who owe back child support owe more than $947,000. While the names cannot be released, she said the person at the top of the list owes $120,538.
The struggling economy has made the job of the agency more difficult.
Schorr said families requesting assistance from the Ohio Works First and Medicaid program have increased 50 percent in the past three years. The agency collected $678,430 from unemployment compensation checks in 2008; $1.8 million in 2009; and more than $1.1 million this year through July.
When other attempts to collect back child support don’t work, Schorr’s office files criminal charges.
“We understand during this tough economy that families rely heavily on support payments and our services are essential to their financial stability,” Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel said. “Our CSEA does a great job of securing court-ordered financial support for Warren County families.”
In 2010, 20 people have been sent to prison for non-support or probation violations for not making child support payments. Schorr said the agency also uses drivers license suspensions as a deterrent.
More than 75 people have had their license suspended this year for non-support payments, according to the agency.
Schorr said August is Child Support Awareness Month in Ohio and those people who have had their licenses suspended as a result of non-support can get them lifted by showing proof of current employment or a bank account from where child support can be withheld and pay an amount equal to two months of support.
For more information, call (513) 695-1580.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or erichter@coxohio.com.
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