From left are Leah Antilla, Iron County Friend of the Court caseworker; Heidi Van Slooten, Friend of the Court; and Shelby Foley, caseworker.

CRYSTAL FALLS – The Iron County Friend of the Court’s office increased earned incentives and revenue by 39 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, said Heidi Van Slooten, Friend of the Court.

Additionally, the office increased child support collections per case an average of 8 percent, she said.

In 2018, under Judge C. Joseph Schwedler’s administration, goals and expectations were set for the office and Van Slooten said she believes the office met or exceeded each one.

The staff worked with Schwedler and the Iron County Board to establish improved accounting practices and an overall reorganization and restructuring of the office, which included a complete file conversion and audit of every case. The result has been improved productivity and service, Van Slooten said.

Judge Donald S. Powell now oversees the Iron County Friend of the Court’s office and is working with Van Slooten and staff to continue improving the office’s efficiency in all areas.

Van Slooten has been Friend of the Court for Iron County since November 2017 and is also Friend of the Court for Dickinson County since 2003. She noted that caseworkers Shelby Foley and Leah Antilla are extremely knowledgeable in all areas of child support enforcement.

“The office is looking forward to continued success in 2019,” she said.