KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Louisiana collected only 56% of obligated child support in 2023, ranking 52nd nationally.

High poverty and low median income contribute to low payment compliance.

Mandatory minimum payments were repealed in 2024 to base support on ability to pay.

Audit recommends stronger data-sharing, Medicaid referrals and legislation to increase collections.

Despite compiling $2.2 billion in child support payments from 2020 through 2024, Louisiana was among the lowest ranked states and U.S. territories for such collections, according to an audit released Monday.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor ‘s review of the Department of Children and Family Services ‘ Child Support Enforcement Program determined the agency collected nearly 56% of court-obligated payments last year f

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