August 27, 2025
Georgia Recognizes Child Support Awareness Month
This August, the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) is joining the nation in observing Child Support Awareness Month—a time dedicated to highlighting the critical role child support plays in strengthening families and ensuring the well-being of Georgia’s children.
Established in 1975, the national child support enforcement program was initially created to help reimburse government welfare programs by ensuring that noncustodial parents contributed financially to their children’s upbringing. In 1995, then-President Bill Clinton proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month, encouraging public education about the value of child support in helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and economically.
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the national child support program, its impact in Georgia remains significant, just as it was in 1975. During Federal Fiscal Year 2024, DCSS collected more than $660 million in child support payments, benefiting over 400,000 children statewide. These funds help cover essential needs, from food and clothing to education and medical care, giving children the opportunity to reach their full potential.
DCSS continues to invest in technology-driven services to better meet the needs of families. Through the DCSS On the Go mobile app, parents can access their case information, make payments, and receive updates in real-time. A live chat feature and interactive voice response call system also provides accessible and multilingual support to customers.
In addition to enforcement and collection services, DCSS offers a variety of programs aimed at empowering parents:
- Fatherhood program – connects noncustodial parents with job training, employment resources, and other supports to help them meet their financial responsibilities.
- Parental Accountability Court (PAC) – provides an alternative to incarceration by addressing root causes of nonpayment, such as unemployment, substance use, or mental health issues, offering participants a path toward stability.
- Access and Visitation program – encourages healthy co-parenting by helping families navigate parenting time arrangements and maintain strong relationships between children and both parents.
- Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security (SAVES) program – ensures DCSS services are trauma-informed and sensitive to the needs of domestic violence survivors, creating a safe and supportive environment for those seeking assistance.
DCSS encourages families to explore the resources available to them and engage in conversations about the importance of parental support, involvement, and responsibility. For more information about Georgia’s child support program, please visit the DCSS website here.