TAHLEQUAH, OK — Ensuring the welfare of Cherokee children, the Cherokee Nation’s Child Support Enforcement Program recently made its first child support payment to an 11 year-old Adair county girl, named Cherish. Cherish’s last name is withheld to protect her privacy.

“The Cherokee Nation is proud to have the opportunity to offer services to its youngest citizens,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “It is important to ensure the financial well-being of these young Cherokees. Our Child Support Enforcement Program just opened on July 9, which was only a couple of months ago. It’s great that we have already made a difference in a child’s life.”

According to Teresa, the young girl’s mother, Cherish had never received a child support payment from the non-custodial parent since their divorce. However, that has all changed thanks to the help of the Cherokee Nation and its Child Support Enforcement staff.

Cherish’s child support case was opened with the Cherokee Nation on Tuesday, July 31, of this year. A month later the family has already begun receiving child support payments.

“I was surprised at how quickly this all came together,” said Patsy Cochran, of Child Support Enforcement. “It was less than two weeks from the time we opened the case until we gave Cherish her check.”

Upon being notified by Child Support Enforcement staff that a check was available, Cherish and her mother went out for an evening of shopping.

“This money is for Cherish,” said Teresa. “She should be the one to get it and enjoy it. I am so thankful to the Cherokee Nation and their staff for all that they have done for my daughter.”

“What happened on Friday with Cherish and her mom was very exciting for me,” said Cochran.  “It made me feel good about our work because I was able to see the outcome.   I watched a Cherokee child get the money she deserved.  It couldn’t have come at a better time for them since school started and she needed school clothes and supplies.  It may not always be this easy, but I will always work hard to make sure children get their child support.”

“The turn-around-time in getting money from the non-custodial parents is not usually this quick,” said Jerry Sweet, Child Support Enforcement Director. “This is a rare occurrence, but we promise that we will give one-hundred percent of our effort one-hundred percent of the time to ensure that Cherokee children get the support they are entitled to.”

For more information or to open a child support case contact Cherokee Nation Child Support Enforcement at (918) 453-5444 or come by 1699 W. 4th Street in Tahlequah.