While many continue to feel the pinch of a bad economy, the same cannot be said for some jurisdictions that have seen child-support payments increase dramatically over previous years. Mississippi's Division of Child Support Enforcement reported increases of 61% in collected payments between fiscal year 2003 and 2011, from $195 million to $314 million. The division's director, Walley Naylor, credits more confirmations of paternity and more aggressive tactics to foil deadbeat parents.
The agency received high marks for cost efficiency in 2002, but faced heavy penalties and fines for failing to meet federal standards in establishing support orders and determining paternity. It's efforts have paid off. In 2009, the division received honors as the Most Improved Program Award from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families. A year later, Naylor was honored with the ACF's Office of Child Support Enforcement Commissioner's Award for Exemplary Leadership.
"The staff has become very aggressive ... they have worked on their days off. They are more likely to get sheriffs involved finding people," Naylor said. It also created a call center, using federal stimulus money. A regional director said the agency's improvements ultimately affect everyone - taxpayers are saving money because of a reduced dependence on welfare and other entitlement programs.
Our office works on child custody cases every day. A Mecklenburg County child support lawyer with the Law Offices of David P. Sheehan can assist you. Call our offices at (704) 332-5858 for a consultation.
