When a case is set up, the child supprt services division takes a dominant authoritative stance, but when it comes to putting those assertions to the test, kids suffer by the department's lack of action. Over-worked and under-staffed is an explanation that still results in the suffering of kids.

"If he doesn't pay, we will take away his drivers' license."

"If he quits his job to get out of paying child support, we will have him working in his regular field from jail and sieze his income until amounts are current."

"If he doesn't pay within 3 days of the due date, a warrant will be issued for his arrest."

"We will put a lien on his name. Any tax refunds he has coming, will be seized. He can't sell anything or buy anything without us stepping in to collect amounts due to children.  He WILL have to pay his child support or go to jail."

I wonder how long it takes for these consequences to actually materialize. Sure, it's easy enough to suspend a license with the assumption that Dear old Dad won't be able to get to work without a license. But simply suspending a license doesn't stop anyone from being able to drive.

Speaking of work, how successful has it been to collect child support from  a contractor. If the man is in business for himself and receives a notice of garnished wages, how likely do you think he will be to attach his own paycheck? Not happening.

It has been 6 years for my kids and still, no enforcement has been implemented beyond the suspended driver's license. Dear old Dad still drives everyday. Dear old Dad still works and gets paid. No garnished wages, no jail, no liens, nothing.

Every few months, a letter or call comes in from the division inquiring about the father's location, employment, contact information, and other info that could assist in collection, but even with all requested information provided, no one takes the next step- going to the location, contacting the employer, contacting family members, or anything else that would serve the affected kids.

What happens to kids when the mother is unable to develop skills necessary to provide stability? Do they stay in the welfare system for the allotted 5 years? Do they learn that the authority of the court is only symbolic for Dads and no matter how rough it sounds, enforcement is not forthcoming?

All stability, therefore, is provided by the efforts of the mother (who is required to comply with all orders.) Non-compliance by the mother results in "possible charges being filed" and "possible jail time" while the father is free to do as he pleases without consequence or regard to any facet of parental responsibility.  

Does Child Support Services ever pick up the ball they dropped? If so, just how many years do kids have to wait for their advocate to take a stand as bold as their mothers make on their behalf?