BATAVIA, Ohio (Aug. 2, 2019) — County Commissioners have acknowledged August as Child Support Awareness Month.

“Parenting and support go hand in hand in ensuring children grow up safe and healthy, and children and families stay out of poverty,” states a proclamation recently presented by the Commissioners. “Our children are our most precious resource, and by investing in them, we secure a future of hope and opportunity for us all.”

Brenda Gilreath, Assistant Director of Clermont County Child Support Services, noted that in 2018, her office administered 13,214 open cases serving 45,839 individuals (adults and children) – collecting $35.9 million on behalf of the families served.

Gilreath said that in Ohio, more than $1.8 billion is collected annually in child support, making it one of the most crucial elements of a family’s stability. She thanked employers for being such good partners with Child Support Services, along with the courts and Sheriff’s Office.

Once again this year, Clermont County Child Support is participating in a statewide coloring contest for children.

Children are encouraged to create and turn in their hand-drawn artwork to the Child Support office by 4 p.m. on Aug. 31. The artwork can be dropped off or mailed to: Child Support Services, 2400 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia Ohio 45103.

Prizes will be awarded for the top three submissions ($20, $15, $10 gift cards to McDonalds) and the first-place submission will be referred to Child Support’s state office to be considered for a statewide calendar for distribution during an upcoming Child Support Awareness Month.

The artwork requires an authorization by a parent or guardian. More information on the contest can be found here: https://bit.ly/2O3Xgju.

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