WHEREAS, the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE), within the Department of Social Services, is dedicated to helping families achieve financial stability, a key factor in ensuring children have the opportunity to grow and thrive; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE is dedicated to managing approximately 249,000 cases for 311,000 children and their parents, with average collections of approximately $584 million every year; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE acknowledges that the consistent payment of child support can be linked to increased parental involvement, which in turn can result in improved academic performance, boosted self-esteem, and increased positive behaviors in children; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE continues to strengthen its family engagement services to help parents overcome challenges by offering parenting education, fatherhood initiatives, community partnerships, access and visitation programs, re-entry support, enforceable support orders, and intensive case management; and  

WHEREAS, the DCSE is committed to collaborating with community and workforce partners to address barriers such as lack of education, unemployment, underemployment, previous justice system involvement, substance use, and mental health challenges; and

WHEREAS, in partnership with the Office of the Attorney General and the Virginia Court System, the DCSE connects family law professionals with resources that assist our customers in managing their cases successfully; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE is launching the NextGen Families in Reentry Seeking Transformation (FIRST) initiative to support justice-involved parents by enhancing employment opportunities, strengthening family stability, and fostering economic mobility through targeted services and community partnerships; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE continues to enhance the safety of families across the Commonwealth through the Safe Access for Victims' Economic Security (SAVES) project; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE provides Access and Visitation services to help noncustodial parents increase time with their children and build stronger bonds; and

WHEREAS, our Safe Kids, Strong Families initiative aims to transform the child welfare system by prioritizing family stability, reducing reliance on congregate care, and strengthening the workforce and services that support our most vulnerable children; and

WHEREAS, the DCSE continues to provide Responsible Parenting curriculum, raising awareness of child support services and educating youth about the legal, financial, and social responsibilities of parenting; and

WHEREAS, Child Support Awareness Month highlights the importance of strong families, responsible parenting, and the shared commitment to strengthening the Spirit of Virginia by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 2025, as CHILD SUPPORT AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.