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Despite what we see on TV, some of the most wanted criminals in America aren't murderers, gang members or terrorists -- they're deadbeat parents. Many states including Virginia, Kentucky and Arizona, post online photos and information about these child-support-evading parents, and have even taken to creating "Most Wanted" posters for major offenders. Virginia is particularly aggressive when addressing non-compliant parents. The state's latest Most Wanted poster includes photos of eight child-support evaders who owe, in total, $523,000 dollars (chump change compared to the $25,000 a month that Britney pays K-Fed in child support).
In 1998, Congress passed the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act, which specifically address interstate child support issues. The law makes it illegal to travel outside of state lines with the intent to evade child support and punishes parents who refuse to pay child support for a child residing in another state.
Some states have taken more novel approaches to getting parents to pay up: For ten years, Ohio had a "Deadbeat Parent Round-Up Day" on which law enforcement would televise the arrests of non-paying parents. The program was ended earlier this year, as there was no proof that publicizing the detainments netted more money. In Cincinnati, "Wanted" pictures were even put on pizza boxes.
While some legislatures clearly believe that publicly embarrassing deadbeat parents acts as a deterrent, other states simply stick to penalties. In Illinois, for instance, parents who don't pay child support risk having their cars booted or losing their driving privileges. In Hawaii, if you owe more than $2,500 dollars in support you can be prevented from getting or renewing a passport.
Tell us: Are these states' punishments too severe? Or should more states follow their lead?
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Sunday 02 November
By slow402
i am owed $ 32.000 in back support. i live in Delaware . and the courts here just slap the deadbeat parent on the hand and let them walk.. i've been in court over support this year 4 times. i think they need to be put in jail with BABBA.
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Thursday 04 March
By SCREW ALL COWS
the women will think twice before sleeping with men if they wont get child support
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Sunday 23 October
By Sheila
Excuse me? I was married, and we had a JOINT decision to have children. I didn't just sleep with someone with the intentions of getting pregnant and then scream for child support. Yes, there are women out there who just spread their legs and use men to get pregnant so that they can collect child support. Those women give women like me a bad name! In my case, deadbeat jerk is withholding payments in an effort to punish me for leaving him when he became abusive. Not all scenarios are the same, SCREW ALL COWS!