Cox Announces $26 Million in Child Support Has Been Collected for More Than 3,000 Kids

Cox Announces $26 Million in Child Support Has Been Collected for More Than 3,000 Kids
Contact: Rusty Hills or Nate Bailey, Media Contacts 517-373-8060
Agency: Attorney General



June 6, 2006

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox announced today that the Child Support Division, which he initiated in April 2003, has collected more than $26 million in child support, providing help to more than 3,000 Michigan children.

"First and foremost, this is much needed support going directly to the children and custodial parents who rely on this money," said Cox. "More than 3,000 children have benefited from this program. It is impossible to calculate how important this is to families that are struggling to make ends meet."

"Second, it represents that in the State of Michigan the attitude toward the responsibility to pay child support has changed. A very clear message has now been sent: if you can pay child support and refuse to meet your responsibility, we will come after you."

To date, Cox's Child Support Division has collected $26,056,659. A total of 3,007 children have received monies owed to them since Attorney General Cox created the Child Support Division. The largest payment received, to date, was $250,000 in a 2004 case arising from Kent County.

"Third, this program has virtually paid for itself. The division's efforts have not only produced tremendous results for Michigan's children, but they have also produced tremendous results for Michigan's taxpayers. This is one government program that works and works well."

The federal government pays for 66% of the cost of operations, while the State picks up the remaining 34%. The State has spent $2,387,980 since the division was created. The division, however, has returned $2,377,323.95 to the State in reimbursements for State-borne costs. Thus the cost of the program to taxpayers is $10,656.08. That cost yielded $23,679,335 million dollars in support paid to children ($26,056,659 in collections minus $2,377,324 in State reimbursements). In other words, for every dollar spent, the Child Support Division returned $2,222 dollars to Michigan children and custodial parents.

"One of the most important aspects of our program is that once the Child Support Division has contact with a non-custodial parent, they are far more likely to continue making their payments on a regular basis. This means Michigan's children will be paid what they are owed both from the past and on into the future."

"Finally, this represents the fulfillment of a promise I made to Michigan's citizens. When I formed the Child Support Division, the first statewide child support enforcement unit in the United States, I pledged to collect $25 million during my first term. We have shattered this goal after just three years in operation."

The division was created in April 2003, fulfilling a pledge Cox made to the people of the State of Michigan. It was the first statewide felony non-support enforcement effort in the United States.

The Child Support Division receives case referrals from county prosecutors, Friend of the Court offices, custodial parents, and law enforcement agencies. An important component of the investigation of these cases is the analysis of available information relating to the suspect's financial circumstances. If the investigation indicates that the person can pay, but won't, charges are initiated.

"I am very pleased with the efforts of the Child Support Division, particularly with their dedication on behalf of our deserving children," Cox added. "I am even more pleased to have played a part with all the professionals within the court system and the Office of Child Support who work so diligently on behalf of our children. It should go without saying that parents have a legal and moral obligation to support their kids. We stand ready to ensure that obligation is being met."

Mr. Cox urged those parents who are not receiving their support to contact the Child Support Division at (866) PAY-KIDS, or the Attorney General's website www.michigan.gov/ag

For more information, contact Rusty Hills or Nate Bailey, Attorney General's Office, at (517) 373-8060.

http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-164-17334_34799-144769--,00.html