The state sets the county's goals. If all statistical goals are achieved, the child support program receives more in federal funds and, therefore, can provide quality services to county families at less cost to property taxpayers.

Racine County Child Support is one of only 11 county child support agencies in the state to receive this recognition for having the highest level of performance. No other large county in the state, and no other Southeastern Wisconsin county of any size, received the award.

McReynolds congratulated Corporation Counsel Jonathan Lehman and Operations Director Patricia Sielaff, for their team's effort over the past year. "This is a remarkable achievement for the Child Support Enforcement Office," said McReynolds. "But what's more important is that Racine County families are getting great help in receiving the child support they need." 

Lehman noted: "It's important to understand how difficult it is to meet all of the goals in the four performance areas.  There are 29 people in the office that walk into work every day, knowing that their productivity on that day will influence not only these statistics, but ultimately how much child support and medical support the children of this county receive.  He added, "That takes courage and commitment."

Lehman also pointed out that the last time Racine County received this award and met all statistical goals was in 2000, when his office had 49 employees; 69% more than its current staffing level.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman presented the award to Operations Director Pat Sielaff at a state-wide conference in Stevens Point on April 24th.

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