Politics & Government

No Arrests or Incarcerations During Bench Warrant Amnesty Program

Previous amnesty programs for child support issues have been successful in providing defendants a 'fresh start'.

For five days next week, individuals with active Allegheny County Family Division bench warrants may appear in court to address matters on their child support cases without worrying about being arrested or incarcerated.

The bench warrant amnesty program will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22-26 as part of "Child Support Enforcement Awareness" month, which Gov. Tom Corbett designated. 

"Today we are offering parents the opportunity to make arrangements to pay their delinquent child support without going to jail," said Kathryn M. Hens-Greco, administrative judge of the Family Division.

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"We want parents to do the right thing and support their children. If you have been out of work, missed a hearing or have fallen behind, this is the time to come to court and pay or make arrangements to pay the delinquent child support without the risk of being sent to jail."

Individuals will have the opportunity to meet with family division personnel, make payments, report employment and income information, obtain assistance in finding employment and consider options to make sure their child-support obligations are met, the news release said.

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"Children are the ultimate victims when parents fail to make court-ordered child support payments," said President Judge Donna Jo McDaniel. "We must take all steps necessary to ensure that children living in our community receive the financial support they are entitled to by law."

Individuals eligible for the program will receive a notice in the mail, or any defendant may call 412-350-5600 to find out if he or she is included in this program. To take advantage of the amnesty program, individuals may report to the Family Division, Family Law Center, 440 Ross St., 1st Floor Information Desk, Pittsburgh.

"Previous amnesty programs offered by the court have proven to be very successful in providing defendants a 'fresh start' and the ability to get back on track with making support payments," said Patrick W. Quinn, administrator of the Family Division - Adult Section, in a news release.


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