Oregon Attorney General John Kroger today announced that Oregon did a better job of collecting back child support last year than the other states in its region.
“Collecting overdue child support is crucially important to the lives of Oregon children,” said Attorney General Kroger. “I am really proud of the job our team is doing.”
The Oregon Department of Justice Division of Child Support collected $85.7 million in back child support in fiscal year 2009 — better than Washington, Idaho and Alaska. Oregon was presented with the Preventing Arrears Challenge Cup in Seattle this week. Oregon won the award in 2007 as well.
“It is especially important to note that Child Support out-performed the other states in the region despite fewer employees and the worst recession in generations,” said Child Support Director Jean Fogarty.
Oregon’s Child Support Program collected a total of $336 million in child support in fiscal year 2009 for nearly 250,000 Oregon children. Most child support payments are made voluntarily by parents.
Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.
Contact:
Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us