DAYTON, OH (July 24, 2023) –Montgomery County will illuminate the Administration Building green from Aug. 1-7 to kick off Child Support Awareness Month. Several activities are also planned throughout the month of August to raise awareness about the importance of child support and the services available to custodial and non-custodial parents.
More than 55,000 children in Montgomery County benefit from Ohio’s child support program each year.
“We know parents want to support their children, but also recognize there are extra barriers non-custodial parents may face in meeting their obligations,” said Commission President Debbie Lieberman. “Child Support Awareness Month is the perfect time for parents to re-engage with our Child Support Enforcement Agency and get connected to the resources and extra assistance they need to support their children.”
The Child Support Division offers a wide range of services to help parents meet the needs of their children. Those include establishing and enforcing child support orders, establishing paternity, legal assistance and managing past due support, among others.
“Parents don’t need to be ashamed for needing extra help navigating the child support program. Our services are designed to help streamline the process so both custodial and non-custodial parents can work together to put their children first,” said Sarah Fields, Montgomery County’s Assistant Director for Child Support.
Other awareness activities include a special driver’s license reinstatement opportunity, Wear Green Day on Aug. 2 and a coloring contest.
The driver’s license reinstatement opportunity will run all month and will allow parents who’ve had their licenses suspended due to non-payment of support to have their suspension lifted by paying one month of back support instead of the standard three months. The program is not a debt forgiveness, but a chance for parents to re-engage to help restore driving and earning capabilities for the sake of their children. Parents can call 937-225-4058 for assistance from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
County employees as well as the public are invited to wear green on Wednesday, Aug. 2, to show support for families who benefit from Ohio’s child support program.
All Montgomery County children are also invited to participate in a special coloring contest during the month of August. Children ages 1-5 can color this flower coloring sheet while children ages 6-10 can color this ice cream coloring sheet. A backpack full of school supplies will be awarded as a prize for each age group. Submissions must be turned in or postmarked by the end of business on Thursday, Aug. 31. More information is available at mcsea.org.
Parents can visit The Job Center at 1111 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd. in Dayton from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for Child Support assistance. Live online chat support is offered during the same hours. The Call Center can be reached at 937-225-4600 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Customers can also send messages to the Agency, check balances and make payments using the Ohio Child Support Mobile App, available for both iOS and Android devices. More information is available at mcsea.org.
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