Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus and Department of Social Services Commissioner Robert Allers have announced the Child Support Division has reached a record breaking milestone with the collection  and distribution of more than $3.1 million dollars in May 2008, the County’s highest monthly total ever. 

 “We have made it a priority for Dutchess County to be a state leader for administering programs and services,” said County Executive Steinhaus.  “It is the dedication and perseverance of our exemplary county employees who work day after day to protect the rights of children in our community and we are grateful for their efforts.”

Commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Social Services Robert Allers said, “The Child Support Division has become involved with non-traditional avenues to reach out to both custodial and non-custodial parents with involvement in activities such as the Father’s Day Parade and the Father’s Rights Group.  By working closely with parents, we can help ensure the court/support process works as smoothly as possible.   This allows families to focus on their children instead of their child support.”

Thanks to the continued focus and commitment to put needed money into the hands of deserving children, child support collections have risen from just over $11.7 million collected in 1995 to more than $29.7 million collected and dispersed in 2007.   This money was collected to help support over 8,400 families.

“Residents see first hand the importance of county government with services like our County highways, parks, our 911 and law enforcement services, but our success collecting over $3 million dollars in child support payments for 8,400 families is just one of hundreds of hidden services county government provides daily to our residents,” said County Executive Steinhaus.

The Dutchess County Child Support Division can assist any parent with paternity, family court support orders, or enforcement of Dutchess County orders.      The Child Support Division of Dutchess County Department of Social Services is located at 58 Market Street in Poughkeepsie and can be reached at (845) 486-3000.