Child Support Enforcement Division Study

IV. CONCLUSION

There have been many problems with the Cook County Child Support Enforcement Division of the SAO. Some of these problems have involved fundamental policy issues, while others have resulted from poor management. The purpose of this report has been to discuss these problems frankly and to make concrete recommendations for change.

Since we began our examination in 1992, there have been many improvements. Most have occurred within the past two years and were brought about by a new management team placed at the head of the Division. Training and supervision of lawyers have improved substantially. There is better communication with the Illinois Department of Public Aid. The administration of the Division now appears to want to improve the way in which it provides representation. We applaud the positive efforts that have been made. Yet many reforms still need to be accomplished. We hope that the administration of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office will continue to place emphasis on improving its Child Support Enforcement Division.

Without further changes, the children and custodial parents of Cook County will not be adequately served. Most of these people are poor and powerless. They cannot afford private counsel, and public funding for the Legal Services Corporation has been cut dramatically. Under the current structure, the SAO is the only organization capable of providing legal support to custodial parents in the often confusing and inefficient legal system. It is particularly important that the Cook County State's Attorney's Office meet the challenge and responsibility of providing quality service.