Recognition for staff seldom recognized

DAVID HULSE
Posted 8/21/12

HONESDALE, PA — Continuing their efforts to highlight the work of county workers, the Wayne County Commissioners on August 25 proclaimed August as Child Support Enforcement Awareness Month.

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Recognition for staff seldom recognized

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HONESDALE, PA — Continuing their efforts to highlight the work of county workers, the Wayne County Commissioners on August 25 proclaimed August as Child Support Enforcement Awareness Month.

This was the first proclamation of its kind for director Mary Ann Swingle’s office, and it comes on the 41st anniversary of the federal child-support enforcement program.

Swingle explained that the office is a unit of the court, enforcing payment of child support and alimony, overseeing some 1,100 cases.

The office aggressively investigates bench warrants for those who fail to appear for court and directs “wanted” advertising for offenders.

Commissioner Wendell Kay, an attorney, noted that Wayne provides many opportunities for parents to fulfill these obligations, if amounts are too high or other issues impact payment.

“Your work re-establishes structure and gives a needed calming effect for children. We don’t hear about you,” Commissioner Jonathan Fritz said, expressing surprise, especially “given the stress you deal with.”

According to the proclamation, Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation to meet or exceed all five federally mandated performance measures established by the federal act, with collection of overdue monthly support ranking first at 83.9%.

The office also negotiates support and alimony in cases of amicable divorce proceedings.

Commissioners’ Chief Clerk Vicky Botjer related a personal experience, noting that in her own experience, “it was amicable, but it was still easier to deal with it through your office.”

Only five of her seven members of the staff were able to attend, as Swingle noted that the other two were in the office taking calls.

“Thanks for providing support for the children. The public never sees your efforts, but we appreciate your work,” Commissioners’ Chair Brian Smith said.

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