Driver's license suspension program collects over $13 million for Illinois children

[October 29, 2008]  CHICAGO -- The state of Illinois has collected millions of dollars in unpaid child support for families during a time when they are struggling under the rising costs of necessities during the current economic slump. October marks one year since Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed legislation to suspend the driver's licenses of parents who do not pay child support. The law, which went into effect Jan.1, has resulted in over $13 million in unpaid child support being collected for Illinois families.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday.

"Nothing is more difficult than raising a child and providing for a family, especially during this economic crisis. For single parents, that can be even more difficult when noncustodial parents do not contribute financially," Blagojevich said. "This announcement clearly shows that we are making excellent progress in child support. We are sending a message to noncustodial parents that they will be held accountable for not meeting their financial responsibilities."

Under the law, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services first mails warning notices to parents who have Illinois driver's licenses and who are not meeting their child support obligations. If delinquent parents who owe $2,500 or more in unpaid support do not contact the department to begin making payments, their name is submitted to Secretary of State Jesse White's office. If parents do not begin making payments, their driver's licenses will be suspended in 60 days.

Over 14,000 parents have already contacted the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to avoid license suspension by starting a payment plan that best addresses the needs of all parties involved. Over 650 drivers' licenses have been suspended.

"This partnership is furthering our mission of ensuring the safety and improving the lives of children and families statewide," said White. "We work to make sure drivers on the road act responsibly, and that responsibility extends to providing the necessary support for their children. If drivers fail to meet their child-support obligations, they now risk losing their driving privileges. I commend Director Maram for his department's hard work."

"The one-year anniversary of the driver's license suspension program marks another great success in child support collections under the Blagojevich administration," said Barry S. Maram, director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. "The department continues to do whatever it takes to work with both custodial and noncustodial parents to find payment options that ensure children get the financial support they deserve. We understand that the current economy is putting financial pressure on everyone, but it is important to make sure that the needs of Illinois children are still met during these challenging times. We will work with all parents to develop payment plans tailored to their needs."

Administrative suspension of driver's licenses for failure to pay support is used in more than 20 states and is a highly successful enforcement tool. Some of the other states reporting successful programs using this enforcement method are Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Virginia and Washington.

Driver's license suspension programs gain collections for families when the noncustodial parent is not engaged in traditional wage or salary work and fails to make regular payments of support. Self-employed parents, parents who work for cash and contractors are among those who may be at risk if they do not pay their child support regularly.

Parents who are not paying their child support can avoid license suspension simply by calling the Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 1-800-447-4278 and making arrangements to begin making payments. Parents are encouraged to call the number so that they can start a realistic payment plan that will meet their financial needs while making sure their children receive important financial support.

Child support enforcement services are available to any parent who needs assistance in establishing legal parentage, establishing child support or medical support, or enforcing support. Some enforcement tools, like interception of income tax refunds, are available only to customers of the enforcement program. To register for free child support enforcement services, parents must complete and sign an application. Applications are available online at http://www.ilchildsupport.com/.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]