“I think it’s a good thing for parents not to forget that they have a responsibility for their children. They still have rights and responsibilities to support their children, and part of that is to financially take care of their children to the best that they can, whether that’s $10 a month or $100 a month, … whatever they can pay. ”

Chapman-Wagner says the payments help offset the county’s foster care costs.  But opponents say the support orders can slow  re-unification of parents with their children because it’s an added burden on poor families. 

Sweeney and other court officials are discussing ways to make the payments a regular part of most custody cases. Most other Ohio counties consistently include child support in juvenile cases.