To Whom It May Concern:

It is come to my attention that the pilot “Arrears Leverage Program” that was implemented by the Child support and Enforcement and The Department of Human Services of Maryland, has been placed on hold.

Over 200 of the non-custodial parents who qualify and have completed the program requirements, have not received reduction in their arrears. I believe this is very upsetting to the people who have in good faith, participated in the program with the hope, that the state would honor their obligation to it’s citizens. It is to my understanding, that the program it would be a win-win situation for all involved. The state would receive monies from non-custodial parents, who otherwise would avoid paying their child support. Promoting responsible fatherhood by improving work opportunities for low-income fathers, increasing child support collections, enhancing parenting skills, supporting access and visitation by non-custodial parents, reducing domestic violence, and involving boys and young men in preventing teenage pregnancy and premature parenting. By also working with private, public, and foundation partners to ensure that both fathers and mothers are fully involved in raising their children, not just the first day, but every day of their children's lives.

In March 1999, the department launched a nationwide public service campaign challenging fathers to remain connected to their children even if they do not live with them. It would also allow Community Based programs to become more effective and have a much greater impact in the communities they server. It would also relieve Child Support and Enforcement of the everyday task, of trying to locate non-paying parents. Fathers and mothers will feel a scene of real responsibility and have an active role in the financial support of their children. Furthermore, this could possibly be a mental health issue with the parents who participated, and not seeing the results of their hard work and dedication to the program.

A great deal of parents will become stressed out, because of their efforts and totally lose faith in the system that made promises to them that were not honored. I am prepared to write letters, send e-mails, get petitions signed, write newspaper articles, and appear live on television and radio to expose the miss-trust of the leaders of this state. Please feel free to contact me, so we can discuss, what can if anything can be done to resolve this problem.

Thank you.

Contact Information

Darrell W. Harris
1546 Lochwood Rd.
Baltimore Md. 21218
E-mail: thejuggerknot-AT-justice.com
Phone 443-621-0263