DCChild Support News Headlines

Outstanding Child Support Agents Certified

February 23, 2006

ATLANTA (GA) – A group of outstanding state child support enforcement agents became the second class to graduate from a special certification program designed to increase  professionalism, retain highly qualified staff, and improve customer service. Georgia is among a handful of states that certify child support agents. DHR’s Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) developed the program four years ago in an effort to strengthen services to families in Georgia. Admission is competitive, and graduates may receive special consideration for management positions within the agency.

The 19 newly certified agents work in OCSE offices around the state in Albany, Americus, Atlanta, Carrollton, Columbus, Eastman, Ellijay, Jesup, Nashville, Rome, Swainsboro and Waycross. “We serve about 24 percent of Georgia’s children,” says OCSE Director Robert Riddle. “That’s a big responsibility, and we make customer service our highest priority. The key to good customer service is maintaining a well-trained, motivated staff. The certification recognizes agents who have made a strong commitment to giving the best possible service to the families that use our programs.”

OCSE developed its certification program in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Participants take courses in ethics, communication and conflict resolution, intake, locating parents, establishing a child support case, enforcement, managing the financial aspects of a case, and handling cases that cross state lines, as well as electives from subjects such as teamwork and exceeding customer expectations. They must also design a special project aimed at improving some agency function, and pass a final exam.

Our DC child support lawyers know and understand your worries and fears. Let them help you to take control. Contact one of our DC child support lawyers today for a free evaluation of your case.

	Did You Know?
	Florida Statute requires guidelines to be used in establishing new child support obligations or modifying child support in a Florida court. All states are required to have statutory guidelines but they vary greatly among states. The Floridae guidelines must take into consideration all income and earnings of both parents and the children's health care needs. The court may deviate from the guidelines if there is a written finding in the court record that the guidelines in the particular case would be inappropriate.