August puts spotlight on child support

Behind on payments? Get 'Back in the Driver's Seat'

In recognition of August being Child Support Awareness Month, the state's Office of Child Support Enforcement is giving parents late on child support payments a chance to get their revoked driver's license back through its "Back in the Driver's Seat" program.

"Last year was the first year for the program and it exceeded expectations for the number of licenses released. In total we released 661 licenses just in the month of August last year," said Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the Office of Child Support Enforcement.

"Of the parents who participated in the program almost 60 percent remain in the driver's seat and are providing the support their children need to grow up healthy and strong," according to a news release from the Office of Child Support Enforcement.

A parent who is a few months behind on making payments is in danger of losing their license.

Right now in Arkansas, there are 10,800 licenses suspended for this reason.

"In general terms, it's roughly three months of payments and at that point, license revocation is a consideration," Hardin said. "Prior to actual revocation we reach out to the individual and try to work through it. License revocation isn't automatic."

Cases will be looked at on an individual basis whether they are slightly behind on payments or have not paid over a significant period of time.

"With each case presenting unique factors, there is not a certain amount or percentage of funds owed that much be paid to reach an agreement. Upon reaching an agreement, OCSE will release any child support-related holds on the individual's driver's license," the news release stated.

This program is a month-long but keeping the lines of communication open is important all year long.

"We also want to highlight that we encourage any parent to come visit us about their plan anytime throughout the year. We're bringing attention to it this month but we don't want to limit a parent only doing this is August," Hardin said. "When a parent doesn't have a license, it limits their ability to obtain full-time employment and also takes from them a tool that allows them to visit the child. By releasing a license we're providing that tool back to the parent and studies show children that receive support are healthier, happier and perform better in school."

For more information, contact the local child support office at 870-772-3443, email [email protected] or stop by the office from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 210 N. State Line Ave., Suite 400.

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