Landmarks Across Tennessee to be Lit Green for Child Support Awareness

NASHVILLE – Well known landmarks across Tennessee will be lit green tonight in recognition of Child Support Awareness Month and the important role the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) Child Support Program provides to strengthen families and children.

Across the state Child Support employees:

·         Locate parents to obtain child support.

·         Establish paternity.

·         Enforce child support orders.

·         Collect and disburse child support payments to families.

·         Modify child support orders.

·         Ensure all Tennesseans are served regardless of income.

This important work has continued under the COVID-19 pandemic and the department wants to remind custodial and non-custodial parents that many of their child support needs can be accessed without leaving home. Parents can apply for child support services here and make child support payments here.

The Child Support Program also supports the department’s nationally recognized Two- Generation Approach by assisting parents with services that help them find the employment and job training they need to meet their child support obligations. Barriers such as lack of education, job skills, substance abuse, health problems and transportation hinder a parent’s ability to obtain long term employment and develop strong relationships with their children. The Child Support Program has partnered with agencies in creating a referral network to address these needs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t reduced the need for parents to meet their child support obligations or the impact that support has on their children’s quality of life,” said TDHS Commissioner Danielle W. Barnes. “By helping non-custodial parents overcome everyday barriers and making the entire child support process easier for all parents we are building a Tennessee that can thrive during this challenging time.”

The State Capitol Cupola and Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge in Nashville, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga are among the notable landmarks that will be lit green tonight in recognition of Child Support Awareness Month that’s recognized every August.

Tennesseans are encouraged to contact their local child support office if they are in need of these services. Local offices can be found here.

For more information on the Tennessee Child Support Program, visit the department’s website.

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