CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT

"When I was first elected District Attorney in 1984, I pledged, 'children will be protected and cared for and I will see that their parents or the courts provide for their care'.  My pledge continues in this most important section of my District Attorney's office.  We will make every attempt to assist those in need of child support by every means the law allows."

William R. "Billy" Coenen, Jr.
District Attorney

Since assuming the office of District Attorney in 1984, William R. "Billy" Coenen has designated as one of his top priorities the collection of child support.  This is effected through the Child Support Enforcement Unit of the Office of the District Attorney.  James W. Berry handles this part of our office and has 23 years experience in this area.  Mr. Berry currently serves on the Louisiana District Attorney IV-D ADA Subcommittee.  This division of our office operates under contract with the State of Louisiana, Department of Social Services.  We collect child support from responsible parents,  in both cases which the custodial parent receives some type of government assistance and in cases where no assistance is involved and the custodial parent is dependent on the non-custodial parent for child-rearing assistance.

Since 1984, the Child Support Enforcement Unit has collected in excess of $50 million dollars in child support.  These are funds which reimburse the State for assistance given to parents and, additionally, aid given to custodial parents when no government assistance is rendered.  These collections have grown from $562,229.00 in 1985, the first year Mr. Coenen became District Attorney, to $4,249,080.08 in calendar year 2007.  The caseload administered by the Child Support Enforcement Unit has grown correspondingly, and in calendar year 2007, our office handled some 3,293 active support cases.  The Child Support Enforcement Unit exercises its functions through the Fifth Judicial District Court system, utilizing the services of an Assistant District Attorney.  Our office has enjoyed considerable success over the years and is justifiably proud of its record of collections and service.