The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has declared August as Child Support Awareness Month. Mecklenburg County reports that collections from noncustodial parents in FY2025 exceeded $50 million, the highest amount since 2021 and one of the top figures in North Carolina.
Collections help cover children's basic needs such as food and clothing, and also fund areas like healthcare and after-school activities. "To me, that means we’re keeping our promise. We’re keeping our commitment to help families and relieve some of their financial burden," said Child Support Services Division Director Fonda Clifton. The division’s 140 staff members work to locate noncustodial parents, establish paternity and support obligations, collect and distribute payments, and enforce these obligations, as stated by the Mecklenburg County.
According to the Mecklenburg County, Clifton said, “It really takes commitment from everybody. This is a good example of how when you work together, good things can happen.” Mecklenburg County Child Support Services works with the court system, the Sheriff’s Office, and partners in other states to provide support for parents. The department also manages the Empowering Fathers Program, which helps noncustodial parents with employment challenges build relationships with their children and custodial parents. In FY2025, the program assisted 312 parents in partnership with the Urban League of Central Carolinas, with services offered at the Valerie C. Woodard and Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Centers.
