Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared October 2004 Child Support Month in Michigan. This is the 18th consecutive year the state has observed Child Support Month in October.

“Child support strengthens Michigan families and helps assure that children receive the financial and emotional support they deserve from both parents,” Granholm said. “I encourage all citizens to recognize the efforts of those working to strengthen our families by ensuring financial and emotional support of Michigan’s greatest resource, our children.”

In fiscal year 2004, the Michigan child support program distributed over $1.6 billion in child support payments. Michigan consistently ranks among the top states nationally in child support collections distributed.

A Program Leadership Group consisting of representatives of the Family Independence Agency’s Office of Child Support, the courts including the Friends of the Court, and Prosecuting Attorneys provides the direction for the child support program’s operations.

“Children are more likely to prosper when both parents participate in their lives,” said FIA director Marianne Udow. “Our agency will continue to help families develop and maintain healthy relationships with both parents because we believe that’s in children’s best interest.”