Cobb proclaims August as Child Support Awareness Month; county cites caseload and collections totals

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month to recognize the county child support services division and related programs.

The proclamation, presented by a commissioner, included summary figures from the county’s child support services division: the division “touches the lives of more than 6,100 children in Cobb,” handles more than 4,000 cases, and collected $9,396,140 in fiscal year 2024 and $8,303,913 thus far in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025). The proclamation also noted local programs such as a fatherhood program, parental accountability court and a mobile app that helps clients send documents, make payments and schedule appointments.

A speaker recognized during the presentation said the division is on pace to collect more than $10 million this year and noted staffing shortages; the proclamation and subsequent remarks asked the public to support county efforts to seek additional state resources to address staffing needs.

Why it matters: Child support enforcement affects children’s economic stability and county revenues; the proclamation records collection totals and program activity that fund and guide county services.

Details: The board’s proclamation encouraged residents to reflect on child-support services’ role and recognized collaboration with the Georgia Department of Human Services. The board voted to adopt the proclamation; the item was presented during the board’s proclamations segment and did not include a separate funding vote or program appropriation.

Discussion vs. decision: The proclamation is an honorary action; no programmatic budget appropriation or legislative change was approved during the proclamation segment. Staff and a commissioner noted staffing concerns and that the division is seeking additional state funding.