According to a report by the Texas Attorney General’s office, the Child Support Division has set a record in collection of over $3.5 billion in child support for the last year. The collections, which have benefitted almost a million families, have exceeded $27 billion in child support since the attorney general took office more than 10 years ago.
The division has not only ranked first in the country for the last 11 years, but according to the attorney general, has set a viable precedent for ensuring children in the state will continue to have the resources necessary for their health and well-being. The program maintains a firm base of parental financial accountability, unlike other states which rely heavily on taxpayer dollars to maintain support. According to reports, state collections have more than tripled the national average of 37 percent.
Why is this program so effective? Over the last seven years, research has indicated the state of Texas has consistently achieved high marks on across-the-board performance indicators in the enforcement of child support collections. The state boasts its position as a national leader of efficiency and productivity of its program, running neck-in-neck with South Dakota.
According to the attorney general, the program’s success is attributed to a firm commitment to provide statewide support of children and their families to live dignified lifestyles. It also enables them to work towards self-sufficiency without relying on public assistance, which directly impacts taxpayers.
The state provides assistance for families who need help in locating absent parents, and allows for means to establish paternity for those children of single mothers. The attorney general’s program can assist families requesting child support services and must serve families who currently receive or have received public assistance. Services offered by the Texas Child Support Division include locating absent parents, establishing paternity for children born to unmarried parents, modifications to medical services and distribution of support payments.
Children are often innocent victims of irresponsible parenting. Efforts like the Child Support Division program set forth by the Texas Attorney General demonstrates a statewide commitment to hold responsible parties accountable for their part in bringing a new life into the world.
Source:
texasgovote.com, “Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division Sets Record with $3.6 Billion in Child Support Collections” No author given, Oct. 01, 2013