Morrison County proclaims Child Support Awareness Month; officials report serving about 1,300 children

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11 adopted a proclamation declaring August 2026 Child Support Awareness Month and received a report from the county child‑support office on program activity.

Child‑support supervisor Bonnie Baichan (speaker 11) told the board the unit has seven members, an average caseload around 1,300 and that "this fiscal year, we received just over $111,000 in funding." She said Minnesota charges a small fee for collections when applicable, and that child support is one of the county's most efficient programs; she also noted Morrison County is above the state average on most federal measures the program uses.

Baichan described operational challenges ahead: new ADA requirements for court documents and a forthcoming Prism system update that will require staff time to adapt forms. Health and Human Services Director Nathan Bertram (speaker 13) said he does not expect county costs for the Prism upgrade because "Prism updates at this point are state and legislative funded, and it's a statewide system." He added he had not heard of any legislative proposals to shift those costs to counties.

The board praised the child‑support team's performance, noted a string of favorable audits and thanked staff for their work. The proclamation was approved by voice vote and staff posed for photos following the presentation.