Carbon Co. recognizes child support program
Carbon County has officially recognized August 2025 as “Child Support Enforcement Awareness Month,” joining a nationwide effort to highlight the importance of parental financial responsibility and the role of domestic relations staff in supporting children and families.
At their meeting Thursday, the commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation, that acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the federal Child Support Enforcement Program.
The measure cited the program’s impact on promoting financial stability and accountability among parents.
The proclamation stated that “the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is committed to providing for children and ensuring that they and their parents or caregivers receive the emotional, financial and medical support they deserve.”
It also emphasized that Pennsylvania “continues its mission to meet or exceed all federal performance standards in the establishment and enforcement of child support orders, parentage establishment and cost effectiveness.”
According to the proclamation, the Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement Program disbursed $1.1 billion to custodial parents in the 2024 federal fiscal year; served more than 270,000 families; established parentage for over 40,000 children; and collected more than 82% of current support due. That percentage exceeded the national average of 65%.
The resolution adopted by the commissioners further encouraged “all citizens to recognize the significance of child support in shaping a brighter future for our children” and called for advocacy of policies and practices that promote fair child support systems.
Following adoption of the proclamation, Carla Ferguson, director of the county’s Domestic Relations Office, addressed the commissioners.
“Thank you so much again for another year of accepting August as Child Support Awareness Month, especially this year,” Ferguson said. “The commissioners have been very supportive of our office.”
She highlighted a new community initiative hosted by her office this summer.
“We held our first community outreach program with a free swim day at Mauch Chunk Lake for Carbon County children, ages 18 and under,” she said. “We had a successful turnout. The weather was a little rainy, but we’re hoping to do it bigger and better next year.”
Ferguson also underscored the statewide milestone being observed.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Child Support Program in Pennsylvania, and it’s a significant milestone to remind everyone that the program works, that it’s needed, and that it’s not going anywhere.”
Since 2019, Ferguson’s office has processed thousands of cases.
“In the last five years, my office has established child support actions for more than 2,000 custodial parents and collected over $36 million for families in Carbon County, across Pennsylvania and nationwide,” she said.
She credited her staff with helping the county surpass national averages.
“What I’m most proud of is that my office continuously far exceeds the federal performance collection measure of 65% by coming in at around 83% every month,” she said. “That is very significant.”
Ferguson noted that she has served as director for two years and in that time has taken on additional leadership roles statewide.
“I’ve had the honor of joining the Supreme Court rules committees and the legislation committee with the Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania,” she said. “I get to assist with legislation and Supreme Court rules and decision-making, but without my staff, who work diligently and tirelessly and who play a crucial role in Carbon County’s success, it wouldn’t be possible. They are the true voices of the families and children of Carbon County.”
Ferguson concluded her remarks by stressing the strength of her team.
“We may be a small office, we may be a small county, but when we show up in numbers, we’re powerful.”
Commissioner Wayne Nothstein offered his appreciation for the department’s work. “Thank you and all your staff for what you do, and for dealing with some of the difficult people you encounter,” he said. “It’s not the most pleasant job.”
Commissioner Mike Sofranko also commended Ferguson for introducing new outreach efforts.
“I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again this year — thinking outside the box and holding an event for families at the lake was something that will definitely grow,” he said. “Thank you for doing that.”