National Awareness Month For Child Support In Illinois

State of Illinois, Aug 24, 2006

CHICAGO – Joining states throughout the nation, the State of Illinois will recognize August as National Child Support Awareness Month. Earlier this month, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced the State of Illinois’ child support collection reached a record breaking high of $1.14 billion in 2006, which surpassed last year’s collections of $1 billion. Due to the administrations’ continuous, aggressive efforts to turn around Illinois child support enforcement, Illinois today was named the 2006 Most Improved Program in the country by the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA).

“Receiving this award signifies that the state is taking the right steps to improve its child support program so it can better serve Illinois families,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “I am proud of the success we’ve had and we will continue to push for aggressive and innovative reforms that will help single parents gain the resources they need to provide their children the childhood they deserve.”

Today Barry Maram, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), will read a proclamation on behalf of the Governor in the atrium of the James R. Thompson Center at 11:30 am. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services will also host a resource fair from Tuesday, August 1 through Friday, August 4, from 9 am to 3 pm on the ground level of the Thompson Center at 100 W. Randolph in Chicago to raise awareness about the state’s programs and initiatives.

“This administration has worked tirelessly to revamp the child enforcement system,” said Director Maram. “Being recognized by the NCSEA will serve as a reminder of the success we’ve had and also serve as motivation to continue to push forward with our reforms.”

Each year the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) recognizes outstanding achievements in child support enforcement and the 2006 award is being awarded to the State of Illinois’ program for its increased collections and new programs. An Awards Committee comprised of NCSEA members in the public, private and international sectors make the award selections. The award will be presented today at the NCSEA’s 55th Annual Training Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, and accepted by Pam Compton, Illinois’ Child Support Enforcement Program administrator.