ST. THOMAS — Attorney General Claude Walker will host a press conference here on Monday to discuss an initiative the local Department of Justice is preparing to launch that seeks to collect some $20 million from parents in the territory who’ve neglected their obligation to pay child support.
That’s according to a press release Government House issued late Friday, making known that the DOJ’s Division of Paternity and Child Support has made many attempts to have parents, who owe $2,500 or more and delinquent for more than 30 days, become current, including setting up a payment plan and, where appropriate, giving them a hearing to present proof that the amount owed is incorrect. But many have failed to pay what they lawfully owe in child support.
As a result, many Virgin Islands children are needlessly suffering because they do not have adequate financial support from one of their parents, the release added.
As the total amount owed by parents with delinquent accounts continues to grow, DOJ, which has direct oversight responsibilities over the Division of Paternity and Child Support, now must take action, the release concluded.
The press conference will be held at the Nisky Center, Suite 500, 2nd floor, St. Thomas, at 10:00 a.m.
Feature Image: Department of Justice Acting Attorney General Claude Walker.
Image Credit: Government House.
Tags: child support payments, claude walker, department of justice, us virgin islands
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