As we embark on a new year and a new decade, it is the perfect time to assess our lives and make improvements. As parents, our children look to us for love and support and to lead by example. By paying child support, you are setting a good example for your children and helping to secure their future. This year, commit to your children by paying child support. It is common knowledge that child support payments cover a child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing. However, the benefits extend beyond the financial security that each payment provides. Research shows that children of parents who pay their child support have fewer behavior problems, make better grades and stay in school longer than children who do not receive regular support. Parents who pay child support are also more likely to be a constant presence in their children’s lives and take an active role in their upbringing. Children with two involved, caring parents are more confident, more likely to exercise self control and less likely to engage in risky behaviors that result in drug usage and early pregnancies. Thank you to those parents who paid their child support in full and on time throughout 2009. Your faithfulness provides endless benefits to your children. Parents who regularly pay their child support demonstrate that they are concerned for their children’s welfare. For the state fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, this office collected a record $2.7 billion in child support, topping the previous year’s total by $152 million. This important achievement was made possible thanks to thousands of Texas parents who faithfully pay courtordered child support every month without reminders. For parents who have missed payments, the Attorney General’s Office encourages you to renew your commitment in the new year to provide for your children and pay your child support. Please show your children that you care about their welfare by making regular child support payments throughout 2010. To help parents collect child support, the Attorney General’s Office accepts applications from mothers, fathers and other individuals who request our services. Applications can be obtained by visiting Child Support Interactive on the main Attorney General Web site at texasattorneygeneral. gov or by calling our 24- hour voice response system at 800-252-8014. Parents who receive financial assistance through the Health and Human Services Commission automatically receive child support services. The Office of the Attorney General wishes you and your family all the best 2010.