Child Support

Re “Child Support Penalty,” editorial, April 14: Child support collections will increase when the legislators draft better enforcement statutes and provide funding for cops. Regardless of which branch of government is responsible for collecting support, results are wholly dependent on making it costly for absent parents to forget their obligations. Increase the penalties and hire more cops to track down absent parents. This is the only sure way to modify behavior in the long run.

Most “deadbeat dads” aren’t wealthy. They just know how to drag their feet and hide their income potential from the government. Enforcement is difficult without intensive investigation and research. Absent parents know that incarceration is unlikely. Look at DUIs. The California Highway Patrol, along with increased penalties, has substantially reduced drunk driving. Give district attorneys those tools and you’ll see results.

FABRICE DESBROSSES

Deputy District Attorney

Mariposa County, Calif.