Child support services in Mecklenburg County have reached a new milestone, with collections from noncustodial parents surpassing $50 million in fiscal year 2025. This figure marks the highest amount collected since 2021 and places Mecklenburg County at the top among all counties in North Carolina.
The funds are intended to help families cover essential needs such as food, clothing, housing, education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. “To me, that means we’re keeping our promise. We’re keeping our commitment to help families and relieve some of their financial burden,” said Fonda Clifton, Child Support Services division director. “We’re getting this money to families so they can pay for sneakers or dance class or food on the table. Every bit helps.”
The work of managing child support cases involves locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity and support obligations, collecting and distributing payments, and enforcing those obligations. The 140-person Child Support Services team works closely with internal colleagues as well as partners in the court system, Sheriff’s Office, and across state lines.
“It really takes commitment from everybody. This is a good example of how when you work together, good things can happen,” said Clifton.
Mecklenburg County Child Support Services also runs an Empowering Fathers Program through a partnership with the Urban League of Central Carolinas. In fiscal year 2025, 312 noncustodial parents participated in this program designed to help them overcome employment barriers and maintain healthy relationships with their children.
Child Support Services staff are available at the Valerie C. Woodard and Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Centers for assistance.
In related education data for Mecklenburg County schools during the 2022-23 school year, enrollment dropped by 0.4% compared to the previous year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/), with a total student population of 153,537 (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
For more information about child support services in Mecklenburg County visit DCR.MeckNC.gov/Child-Support.
