August is Child Support Awareness Month

JEFFERSON – Gov. Mike DeWine has declared August as Child Support Awareness Month, shining a spotlight on the critical resources local children need to thrive.
“Throughout the month, communities across Ohio are recognizing the vital roles that parents, caregivers and child support professionals play in securing brighter futures for the next generation,” reads a press release.
In Ashtabula County, the impact of these services is substantial.
Ashtabula County Job & Family Services (ACJFS) and its Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) currently manage approximately 7,500 cases, directly serving more than 8,900 local children, according to a press release.
According to ACJFS Executive Director Patrick Arcaro, the agency successfully collected $13,830,828 in child support payments over the past year.
This money provides critical financial assistance to families across the county.
“Child support is about much more than making payments; it’s about creating opportunities for children,” Arcaro said. “Every child deserves the chance to thrive with the support of both parents.”
Working alongside the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, the Ashtabula County CSEA provides an array of services to stabilize and strengthen households.
Key agency functions include establishing biological paternity; creating and enforcing financial and medical support orders; locating parents; handling complex interstate cases; and reviewing and adjusting existing support orders when parental circumstances change, according to a press release.
Arcaro praised his team’s hands-on approach to these vital tasks.
“Our staff is committed to helping families navigate the child support process with professionalism, compassion and respect,” he said. “Their dedication makes a meaningful difference each day.”
To celebrate local families, the CSEA hosted two youth competitions this month focused on creativity and family support.
For younger children ages 5 through 12, the agency’s annual coloring contest returned.
Thanks to a donation from the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners, one random participant has won a brand-new bicycle.
Thea Traxler’s artwork was selected as the winner of the bicycle donated by the commissioners. Her artwork will also be submitted for a chance to be featured in the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services 2028, My Sticker Calendar, a tool used by families to track parenting time and co-parenting schedules.
Older youth ages 12 through 18 participated in a brand-new essay contest. This year’s writing theme was “All Children Matter: Why Support Is Important.” Submissions explored how emotional encouragement, parental guidance, and financial backing shape a child’s future.
Madilyn Mckinnley’s essay was chosen as the winner of a $50 gift card.
“Our goal at Ashtabula Job & Family Services Child Support is to enhance the well-being of children by assisting with establishing paternity, obtaining support orders which will include financial and medical availability obligations, and monitoring and enforcing those obligations. Child Support Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate children through activities that encourage creativity and highlight the importance of family support. Empowering both parents to support their children is key along with open communication,” reads a press release.
Local residents looking for case info or application details can connect with the Ashtabula County Job & Family Services by phone at 440-994-1212 or toll-free at 1-800-935-0242 or online at jfs.ohio.gov/ocs. Parents can also now download a new mobile app designed to sync directly with the online child support portal.