Question

Some states incarcerate delinquent child support obligors. Do you think that incarceration is an effective method of enforcement for a parent that doesn't pay court appointed child support? Why or why not? What types of punishment do you think are most effective for parents that do not pay child support?

Answer 1

Incarceration of the parents is not the right method because

• There are various reasons for which parents fail to money.
• If the parents are punished, then the parents will lose their love and interest to the child. They think that child is their burden and they want to want get relief from their burden.
• Again, if the parents are convicted, then the parents may take revenge on the child being angry.
• Again, one of the parents may die or take divorce. Then the responsibility goes to the single parent. It is really a problem.
• Imprisonment is not solution. It brings social disgrace of the convicted. For conviction one may lose job. Then problem becomes more complicated.

In such case, the authority must handle the case very carefully. If the parents have a source of income, then the money should be deducted from the source. The parents must be called got a peaceful discussion. They should be made understands of their duty. Besides, the community leaders should be engaged in this activity. There must be a pressure from the community so that the parents are obligated to pay the money. Besides, a negotiation can be done with them.