DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 11, 2006 DHSS-75-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
CHILD SUPPORT TARGETS MOST WANTED CHILD SUPPORT EVADERS
Delinquent Parents Owe Substantial Child Support and Evade Arrest
Delaware – As part of Child Support Enforcement Month, on Wednesday, September 13, the Division of Child Support Enforcement will launch its new plan to increase enforcement of child support laws through a new partnership with Crime Stoppers, local and state law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Delaware.
Division Director Chuck Hayward will unveil Child Support's first in a series of Failure to Pay Child Support Wanted Posters. For a parent to appear on the Most Wanted Child Support Poster he or she has not made any child support payments in the last six months. Citizens who recognize a wanted child support obligor and have information regarding his/her whereabouts or any attempt to hide financial assets or employment, call Crime Stoppers anonymously and provide as much information as possible.
Director Hayward will also introduce a warrant program which allows individuals arrested on outstanding capiases to pay 10% of their bail directly to child support owed in lieu of making full bail.
"The Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) is proud of the work we do helping the children of Delaware. Last year, DCSE collected more than $96 million (a record collection for Delaware) for the children of Delaware. Still, unpaid child support is a significant problem," said Chuck Hayward, Director of the Division of Child Support Enforcement."The parents we are targeting through this new effort are thumbing their nose at the law by refusing to pay their child support. They have been given every opportunity to pay what is owed and we need the public's help to find them."
Also planned are child support round-ups where law enforcement personnel will devote efforts to locate and arrest non custodial parents who are delinquent in their child support payments. Persons can be arrested if they have outstanding capiases for failure to appear in court after being contacted about their delinquent payments.
"Children suffer the consequences of a parent's refusal to pay child support," said Hayward. "Children and families suffer when child support is not received. These families are then stretched due to the lack of income that child support payments provide, and they carry the emotional scars that come from knowing their parents do not care enough to pay child support."
To learn more about these new efforts please join the Division of Child Support Wednesday September 13th at 11am at 1114 S. DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901 (302) 739-4578.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
