BATAVIA, Ohio -- So-called "deadbeat" parents in Clermont County are getting a rare chance to get back on track without penalty in the month of March.
Parents who lost a civil judgment or who have gotten behind in child support payments can log onto the county's website and make arrangements directly with a case worker to get caught up. Documents obtained by WCPO reveal 722 non-custodial fathers and mothers in the county owe a total of $9.5 million in back child support.
Attorney Theresa Ellison explains that while the county takes this issue very seriously, it is willing to clear these civil child support bench warrants if these parents would just come out of the shadows.
"Once they have a warrant, the case tends to stall. People kind of go underground. They don't call us with information. They don't make payments. They probably don't even see their kids sometimes, so if we can get the warrant resolved it gets the case back on track which is what we are looking for."
Clermont County will have 60 caseworkers on hand dedicated solely to sitting down with these parents. Those people on the list will be receiving letters this week.
To find out more, or to start arrangements, noncustodial parents can call their caseworkers at 513-732-7248 at any time (leave a voicemail after hours), or visit the Child Support Enforcement office from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the month of March.
Appointments are not necessary during these hours but are encouraged. Noncustodial parents can find direct phone numbers and email addresses for caseworkers on the agency website here. Email inquiries can be submitted to clermontsupportskids@jfs.ohio.gov.
