Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County officials have recognized the 50th anniversary of the federal child support program, which was established in 1975 by President Gerald R. Ford to help parents provide for their children through child support orders.

County Executive Samantha Kerkman and members of Kenosha County’s child support services team presented a proclamation honoring the milestone. Since its inception, the national program has collected more than $786 billion in child support payments, contributing to reduced child poverty and improved family economic independence.

Dustin Feeney, director of the Kenosha County Division of Workforce Development and Past-President of the Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association, commented on the ongoing work: “The longevity of the child support program speaks to the talented and dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that all Wisconsin children and youth are supported and cared for members of thriving families and communities.”

In Kenosha County, staff handle responsibilities such as locating absent parents, establishing legal obligations for support, adjudicating paternity, monitoring payments, enforcing obligations, and maintaining case records.

Kerkman noted that beyond enforcement, local programming also connects parents with services aimed at fostering healthy relationships with their children.

Judge Chad Kerkman from Kenosha County Circuit Court praised county staff efforts: “Kenosha County Child Support does an amazing job ensuring the children of our community are financially supported by their families. These efforts significantly reduce reliance on the taxpayers for support.”

During the 2023-24 school year in Kenosha County, Indian Trail High School and Academy had the highest enrollment with 2,001 students. Tremper High School followed with 1,458 students and Bradford High School with 1,448 students (https://dpi.wi.gov/). Of the total student body in county schools—25,402 students—white students accounted for 55.6%, Hispanic students made up 25.7%, and Black students were at 10.4% (https://dpi.wi.gov/). American Indian students were among the least represented ethnic groups at just 0.2% during that school year (https://dpi.wi.gov/).