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January 5, 2004
Editor
The Seattle Times
Re: State Patrol to help snag child support
January 5, 2004
Dear Editor:
So the Washington State Patrol will help collect
child support from confiscated cash or
unattended wallets. This doesn't go far enough.
Why not search for hidden treasure at every
traffic stop? Troopers should hold drivers and
passengers upside down, shake, and see if any
money falls out. While they're at it, why not
search the ashtrays and cupholders for loose
change?
And it's about time the WSP starts enforcing
family court orders. If traffic officers are
going to collect child support, they should also
enforce custody and visitation. Millions of
dollars of back child support may be owed, but
millions of hours of residential time have been
denied to non-custodial parents. At every
traffic stop involving custodial parents, the
WSP should contact the non-custodial parent and
determine if he or she is getting their
court-ordered visits.
Studies prove that the more access non-custodial
parents have to the children, the higher the
percentage of child support that gets paid.
Forget seizing cash in vehicles, that's chump
change. Have troopers accompany visiting parents
to pick up their children. If Washington State
gets serious about enforcing parental access
rights, the child support money will follow.
Sincerely,
Lisa D. Scott
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Copyright © 2006-2011 Lisa Scott. All Rights Reserved.
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