With state push, Ohio collected 70% of child support owed

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - New data from the federal fiscal year that ended in September show the collection of child support payments has improved in Ohio.

The Department of Job and Family Services says Ohio collected nearly 70% of current child support owed statewide, pushing it above the national average of 65.8%.

The Dayton Daily News reports the agency collects and distributes nearly $2 billion annually for the support of more than 1 million children, through child support enforcement agencies in each of Ohio’s 88 counties.

The high collection rate came after the Office of Child Support led an initiative to help county agencies pursue a 70% collection rate. Agency officials say the office established goals for each county and provided them with regular performance reports.

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Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com