DHSS Press Release |
Date: August 29, 2007 DHSS-92-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOVERNOR RUTH ANN MINNER PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER AS CHILD SUPPORT MONTH
Child Support Month Kicks off August 30, 2007, at 2PM - Join Us
New Castle - "For children to succeed in life it takes emotional, financial, and medical support," said Charles Hayward Delaware Health and Social Service's Director of the Division of Child Support Enforcement. "Evidence suggests that kids who receive support from both parents get better grades in school and have fewer behavioral problems. But even when families break up, both parents need to go on contributing to that success."
On Thursday August 30th at 2PM, Mr. Hayward will launch Delaware's Child Support Month with a review the Division's ongoing accomplishments and announce the latest strategies and activities that will take place during the month of September.
The Daddy and Me Day activities day on (September 29), is one of the Division's initiatives that include forging partnerships in the community and with other state agencies. This event is not just about fathers- it is a FREE family event designed to provide an opportunity for family members to play and share together, as well as, learn about resources and tools available from business, government, community and faith-based organizations state wide that support building strong families. The event is co-sponsored by Delaware's Children Department and the Head Start Program on Saturday, September 29th from 9 AM to 5 PM at the YMCA, 1000 North Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.This event and others like it emphasize the movement towards making child support integral to self sufficiency, and a more global process and not just about collections.
"We have great concern for the children of this state," said Charles Hayward. "As Thanksgiving and the holiday seasons approach, the concern that non-custodial parents are involved in their children's lives and that child support monies are available to them is even more critical."
Earlier this month Director Hayward announced that parents who are paid child support through the state government be able to receive their money by direct deposit.
Last year the Division unveiled its Wanted Poster Campaign, which, according to Hayward, exceeded expectations. The posters, which launched in September 2006, are published on the Division's Web site and posted in government and social-service offices throughout the state to encourage people to call the Division or Crime Stoppers with tips about where delinquent parents live, work, and whether they are hiding money.
Additionally, over 190 couples across the state visited Child Support Enforcement headquarters last year to take advantage of free genetic testing that the Division offered for one week .
"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," said Director Hayward. "Child Support Month represents an opportunity to salute parents who support their children emotionally and financially and honor the child support professionals across the state who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children through their work." he adds.
Child Support Awareness Month Kick Off -2PM August 30 DCSE Headquarters New Castle, 84A Christiana Road New Castle, DE 19720
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
