PROSECUTOR DAVID SUTTER: CHILD SUPPORT COLLECTIONS UP 12.3%

Child Abuse Awareness Month

                                                                   (FILE)

 Jefferson County, Indiana (August 12, 2021) - The month of August is dedicated to bringing awareness to Child Support Services in Indiana. Many residents are not aware they can contact their local prosecutor for assistance with enforcing child support orders. Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter wants to educate and inform parents, guardians, grandparents, or other custodial parties in how to access child support services through his office. Child Support services can help custodial parents establish child support orders, paternity, and other resources which promote the well-being of children. Sutter says, “Many of these services are not widely known to the general public and can be accessed without hiring an attorney.” The services, claims Sutter, are vital to those seeking help with locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, and medical or child support orders. Prosecutor Sutter recently announced child support collections in our community have increased by 12.3%. In 2020, the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office collected and distributed over $2.4 million in child support to children and families in the community, a significant increase from the 2019 total. As of July of this year, collections are already on track to exceed the 2020 totals and the Prosecutor’s child support office is performing above state and national averages in all measured categories. Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office David R. Sutter, Prosecutor 315 ½ E Second St. Madison, IN 47250 812.265.8932 “We have certainly seen a COVID-19 related increase in our collections due to federal stimulus payments that are intercepted and delivered directly to children and families under a child support order, but we have also placed an emphasis on increasing our collections,” said Sutter. Child support payments are crucial to a child’s well-being and provide a court-approved method for helping to ensure children are supported financially when their parents’ divorce. Child support payments are intended to help the custodial parent maintain a similar quality of life for a child as he or she enjoyed before the divorce. These payments not only cover basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter but also may be used for educational expenses and extracurricular activities, such as sports or hobbies. According to Sutter, “Regular child support can mean the difference for a child to remain in their home, and have food, clothing, and other needs met. It impacts everything we do in our office,” said Sutter, explaining that as paternity and child support is established, it leads to fewer children living in poverty and lowers the likelihood they will one day become involved in the criminal justice system.” In Indiana, child support payments continue until the child reaches age 19 or is emancipated in another way. Judges use child support guidelines to determine the amount of child support payments. Noncustodial parents must make their court-ordered payments or face wage garnishment, being found in contempt of court and even jail time. “As your county prosecutor, I take the well-being of our children seriously, and believe that consistent child support payments can help custodial parents achieve economic stability,” he said. Sutter stressed his child support staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to assist. “There is really nothing to be afraid of; you're taking action to best serve your children and protect your rights. It's an easy process and we keep you informed every step of the way." Alternatively, there are consequences for parents who fall behind or fail to pay their child support. Parents who fail to pay support can be charged with a felony, however, Sutter encourages any non-custodial parent who has fallen behind in paying child support to contact the office. "Most cases are not contentious," said Sutter. "When people who owe acknowledge that, we play the role of facilitator." However, those who continue to fall behind can expect the prosecutor to be aggressive in seeking support payments for families. "Financially supporting our children is crucial to their well-being and their ability to thrive during the critical years of childhood," said Sutter. "My office continues to work diligently to ensure that parents provide that financial security for their children.” Recently, the Indiana General Assembly enacted new legislation that allows for the immediate reinstatement of driver’s licenses, hunting licenses, and other licenses once a delinquent parent pays 8 weeks of support. Though this law will take effect in January of 2022, Prosecutor Sutter encourages parents to get current and will work with anyone to reinstate licenses when they get caught up on support payments before the new law begins. There is no fee to access Child Support enforcement services offered through the Prosecutor’s Office. For more information, stop by the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office at 315 ½ E Second Street in Madison. You can also call our Child Support Office at (812) 265-8943 or visit https://jeffersoncounty.in.gov/455/Child-Support. ###(File)