Options available for child support

As deputy director of the Erie County child support program, my main goal is to encourage the consistent payment of child support to help meet the needs of the children in our community. The child support department is focusing its efforts on increasing awareness of the newly updated state web portal which allows our clients to have their child support information at the tip of their fingers. Along with the web portal, we are also promoting the new statewide mobile app which allows obligors to make a secure payment from their smartphones. Information on these applications can be found at https://jfs.ohio.gov/ocs/. Locally, our agency has also installed a secure deposit box in the rear of our agency. This allows a safe and convenient method to drop off child support payments, and it allows any JFS customer, agency-wide, the ability to drop off necessary paperwork without personal contact. As the new year moves forward, we will make every effort to be available to the public in the safest ways possible. The health and safety of our clients and employees are of our utmost concern, and we are continuing to follow masking recommendations. Our staff continues to work hard at meeting client needs while increasing child support collections. As some of the public health emergency policies come to an end, our hope is that families will reach out to our department so that the establishment of child support can help fill in the gaps. Child support applications can be easily found at odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS%2007076/pdf/. The applications can be returned in person in the lobby, in the deposit box in the rear of the building or by email at ERIE_CSEA_PAR221@jfs.ohio.gov. Along with establishing and enforcing support, we are working to streamline our paternity establishment process. COVID has affected this effort across the state of Ohio. Here in Erie County, we want the public to know that we are willing and capable of establishing paternity at our agency. Genetic testing is available and supportive services can be provided to ensure child support is accessible to all children in our county. 2021 was a challenging year for everyone, and we continue to be cognizant of the barriers to paying child support. By increasing our telephone contact with clients, we have been able to have honest conversations regarding these barriers and work towards solutions. We will continue to refer our clients for job placement services and other agency programs to support their ability to meet the needs of their children. If you have any questions regarding our services you can contact the agency at 419-626-6781 or by email at ERIE_CSEA_PAR221@jfs.ohio.gov. Belinda Sibert BiemlerErie County Child Support program deputy director If you want to submit a Local Voices column, please email it to brandonaddeo@tandemnetwork.com. Columns should be 500-750 words and include the writer's headshot, or other photo.