Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has recognized Claudia Ray, an assistant attorney general in the Child Support Division’s Longview office, for her commitment to Texas children. Ray, who was named “Assistant Attorney General of the Year” for the 43-county region based in Tyler, received the honor Wednesday at the Statewide Assistant Attorneys General Conference in Fort Worth.

“Claudia Ray’s hard work and dedication helped ensure thousands of young Texans have the child support they need to grow healthy and strong,” Attorney General Abbott said. “A committed and selfless public servant, Claudia stands out as one of the state’s most dedicated and impressive lawyers. We are grateful to Claudia Ray for her commitment to Texas children.”

Deputy Attorney General for Child Support Alicia Key selected one assistant attorney general from each of the state’s nine child support regions, along with an assistant attorney general from the main office in Austin. Recipients are chosen based on recommendations from their peers and supervisors, with a particular focus on employees who are willing to go beyond their normal duties to serve children. Each recipient demonstrated a desire to help others and enhance the Attorney General’s Child Support Division.

Ray, who joined the Office of the Attorney General in 2005, is responsible for establishing legally recognized relationships between children and their unmarried parents. As an assistant attorney general, she also works to establish, enforce and modify court orders that require parents to provide child support and medical support.

Ray, a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law, was chosen to be the region’s “Assistant Attorney General of the Year” because her efficiency and work ethic have played an integral role in helping her office exceed goals and assist customers.

Ray’s colleagues praise her passion for providing young Texans the financial and medical support they need and deserve.

“Claudia goes out of her way to give customers exceptional customer service,” said Padraic O’Bryan, senior regional attorney. “She is held in high regard by the judges and attorneys that she works with.”

The Longview child support office handles child support cases in Camp, Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk and Upshur counties. The office collected $37 million in child support for the state fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2009.

The Attorney General’s Child Support Division offers an array of services to help families, including locating absent parents; establishing paternity for children born to unmarried parents; establishing, enforcing, and modifying child and medical support orders; and collecting and distributing child support payments.

For more information about the Office of the Attorney General and the child support services it offers, call (800) 252-8014 or visit the agency’s website at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.