Child Support Awareness Month Given the ‘Green Light’ for August
Source: https://www.mcohio.org/
In Ohio, Children’s Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about the issues affecting children and families. Observed throughout the month of September, this initiative focuses on improving the well-being of young people by highlighting key areas such as child health, education, and safety.
Various activities were organized to emphasize the importance of child support and the services available to both custodial and non-custodial parents. Over 51,000 children in Montgomery County benefit annually from Ohio’s child support program. Commission President Debbie Lieberman highlighted that the month serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of parents in ensuring financial stability and promoting positive co-parenting. The efforts aim to provide crucial support and resources to improve the lives of children.
August awareness activities included a special driver’s license reinstatement program, Wear Green Day on August 7, and a kids’ coloring contest. The reinstatement program allows parents with suspended licenses due to non-payment of child support to lift their suspension by paying one month of back support instead of the usual three months. This initiative helped parents regain driving and earning capabilities to support their children.
On Wednesday, August 7, county employees and the public wore green to support families benefiting from Ohio’s child support program. Additionally, Montgomery County children participated in a coloring contest throughout August. Kids aged 1-5 used a fish coloring sheet, and those aged 6-10 used an octopus coloring sheet. Winners from each age group received a backpack filled with school supplies.
Ohio’s Rankings in Child Welfare (1=Most; 25=Avg.):
- Overall Rank: 16th
- 15th – Percentage of Children in Households with Below-Poverty Income
- 23rd – Percentage of Maltreated Children
- 12th – Child Food-Insecurity Rate
- 28th – Percentage of Uninsured Children
- 8th – Infant Mortality Rate
- 20th – Percentage of Children in Foster Care
- 13th – Percentage of Children in Single-Parent Families
- 27th – Child & Youth Homeless Rate
The report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to address the disparities faced by underprivileged children. Ohio’s ranking reflects both areas of concern and progress, with notable strengths in reducing infant mortality but challenges in child and youth homelessness. Community leaders and policymakers are urged to focus on these critical issues to ensure a brighter future for all children.
Image Source:https://www.mcohio.org/
