Parents delinquent in child support payments have until Friday
to take advantage of a special buyback offer.
Parents delinquent in child support payments have until Friday to take advantage of a special buyback offer.
Approximately 275 Santa Clara County parents who owed these payments have paid $186,000 since December 2002. These back payments are being made by parents taking advantage of the Santa Clara County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) program offering those who are delinquent a limited time opportunity to buy back their driver’ licenses at a reduced rate.
The offer allows parents to pay one month’s child support, one month’s arrears installment payment and $15. Parents must also agree to wage withholding or a specific payment plan. Typically, reinstatement costs three months in child support, three months in arrears installment payments and $15, in addition to income withholding or a payment plan.
“In the long run, the children of Santa Clara County are the ones who benefit most from these efforts,” said Supervisor Jim Beall, District 4, chairman of the Committee on Children, Seniors and Families. “They are the most vulnerable amongst us, without power or voice. The County’s collections efforts will benefit them as well as their families.”
The Child Support Buyback Program is the result of a “balanced approach” instituted by the county’s new Director of Child Support Services, Peter Dever, since he came aboard last August. The office said it is creating every opportunity for parents with support payments in arrears to come forward voluntarily.
“The program is proving to be quite a success, with 275 delinquent parents having bought back their licenses as of the end of January, for a grand total $186,539.31 in child support,” said Dever. “The Buyback has given parents who owe child support a real incentive to drive legally and start paying their support.”
For the remaining parents in Santa Clara County whose drivers’ licenses are suspended because of the nonpayment of child support, the department is stepping up its contempt-of-court filings which could result in delinquent parents serving up to five days in the County Jail for every month of missed payments.
The Department of Child Support Services recently relocated its offices to 2851 Junction Ave., San Jose. The new DCSS phone number is 503-5200.
For details on the Drivers’ License Buyback Program, call 503-5204 for a prerecorded message and an opportunity to leave a voice mail request for an appointment. Walk-ins at the new Junction Avenue office are welcome.
