Larimer County Proclaims August 2025 Child Support Awareness Month

The Larimer County Board of Commissioners convened on August 19, 2025, to discuss significant community initiatives, including the proclamation of August as Child Support Awareness Month. Vanessa Fuel, Division Manager of the Department of Human Services, introduced the proclamation, emphasizing the vital role of child support in fostering children's success and well-being.

Fuel highlighted the contributions of the Larimer County Child Support Team, a dedicated group of 28 professionals who provide family-centered services accessible to all income levels. She noted that child support payments not only enhance parent-child relationships but also improve educational outcomes and reduce reliance on public assistance.

Nancy Kelly, the Child Support Administrator, elaborated on the team's accomplishments, revealing that in 2024, they collected over $17 million for families, benefiting approximately 5,800 households. The program is recognized as one of the most cost-effective social services, yielding $4.73 for every dollar spent on administration. Kelly also discussed the increasing demand for these services, with 870 new cases opened and 209 new child support orders established in the past year.

The meeting underscored the importance of adapting child support processes to meet the needs of families, particularly those facing complex challenges. Initiatives such as a pilot program for victims of domestic violence and collaborations with the Colorado Department of Corrections aim to support parents re-entering the community after incarceration.

The commissioners expressed their appreciation for the team's efforts and the positive impact of child support services on the community. The proclamation was unanimously approved, reinforcing Larimer County's commitment to promoting the health and well-being of its children and families.