Sheriff, judge honored for work

BY ALAN RIQUELMY - ariquelmy@ledger-enquirer.com --

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Single parents need help getting child support, and that's where a judge and a sheriff come in.

Superior Court Judge John Allen and Sheriff Ralph Johnson were honored Thursday by the Office of Child Support Services. Each child support region within the state Department of Human Resources across Georgia will honor a judge and sheriff during May -- Child Support Month -- and both men spoke to the crowd gathered on the Plaza Level of the Columbus Government Center.

"When you're a single parent, it's very important," Johnson said of the work being done.

Allen agreed, saying people appreciate the much-needed service being provided.

Out of 500 cases last month, Allen dealt with 300 of them, said Jacqueline Jennings, a child support manager. Judges issue orders against those who don't pay child support, and Jennings said Allen has taken much time out of his schedule to do that.

The sheriff's office serves court documents on people, ensuring they know their responsibilities and court dates. Johnson said the award he received was for his entire office.

This May is the 35th anniversary for the Office of Child Support Services. Statewide, the office has more than 1,400 employees who handle more than 410,000 cases.