Fathering Court--an alternate remedy to jail?
New alternative to jailing those delinquent in child support
In Washington D.C., a new program has emerged for those parents behind in child support payments who are without a job. The key is that they want to pay, but do not have the means. The new approach is Fathering Court. According to the article, it is an effort to put fathers on the right track to paying for their children and "emphasizes employment, starting with the basics."
While jail is still a remedy for those who just don't want to pay child support, this new approach is something Mississippi should explore. In many cases, especially during hard economic times, the non-custodial parent is without work and cannot pay. Jail provides no opportunity for that person to find a job. This program could be the answer.
