CHENANGO COUNTY – August was child support awareness month in New York State and in recognition, the Chenango County Department of Social Services is reminding the community of the importance of providing financial and emotional stability for children.

The child support unit of DSS processed more than $5.46 million in child support payments in 2013. The agency additionally collected over $356,000 in child support for assistance provided to recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), established or modified 375 child support orders, and assisted in determining paternity for 53 children in the county.

“Locally, child support enforcement and collection is important to ensure parents and children receive the help they need to live safe and healthy lives,” said Daniel Auwarter, Deputy Commissioner of the Chenango Department of Social Services.

Despite seemingly high numbers, child support in Chenango County is comparable with surrounding counties, said Child Support Unit Supervisor Trudy Huggins.

“There have been a lot of laws passed that allow us to do a better job of collecting child support over the years, so children are getting the support they need,” Huggins said. “It’s incredibly important that families with children receive that help.”