Tuesday, April 20, 2010
THE SOUTH CAROLINA CENTER FOR FATHERS AND FAMILIES
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Family Assistance recently released a report, titled "Emerging Findings from the Office of Family Assistance Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Grant Programs: A Review of Select Grantee Profiles and Promising Results." This report features the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families as a "Promising Practice." To view the complete report, click here.
Labels: Responsibility
Monday, April 05, 2010
COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF PRO ATHLETES WITH ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN—EXPANDED AND UPDATED 2009 ADDITION
Click here for the latest update.
Click here for the latest update.
Labels: Pro Athletes, Responsibility
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
OCTOMOM ENJOYS THE BEACH--YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK
Although we do not find her in the least bit attractive, physically or otherwise, we have to admit that Octomom has done an extraordinary job of shedding the weight she gained during her last pregnancy. Thanks to the taxpayers of California, who are footing her hospital bills and assisting her with the costs of raising her children, she apparently does not have to work and has time to exercise and go to the beach.
We said it before, and we may say it again, from our point of view, California ought to make both Octomom's fertility doctor and the biological father of her children provide financial assistance for these children and reimburse the government for the medical costs associated with the birth of these children. While it may be true that "it takes a village to raise a child," people who choose to go to extraordinary lengths to impregnate a women with an entire village of children should be the ones saddled with the costs of raising that particular village of children.
Labels: Child Support Collection, Responsibility, Welfare Reform
Sunday, January 24, 2010
UPDATES JOHN EDWARDS/JUDGE SEGARS-ANDREWS/BRISTOL PALIN
Edwards Admits Paternity
The Associated Press has reported "Edwards admits he fathered videographer's child" and has agreed to pay child support. According to the article, "In the statement Edwards released Thursday, he said, 'I will do everything in my power to provide her (Frances) with the love and support she deserves...I have been providing financial support for Quinn and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future. "
The Associated Press has reported "Edwards admits he fathered videographer's child" and has agreed to pay child support. According to the article, "In the statement Edwards released Thursday, he said, 'I will do everything in my power to provide her (Frances) with the love and support she deserves...I have been providing financial support for Quinn and have reached an agreement with her mother to continue providing support in the future. "
There has been no word yet on the terms of the financial settlement.
Judge Screenings on Hold
Judge Screenings on Hold
According to "Judge screenings on hold," "One of South Carolina’s top lawmakers said the state will postpone screening of judge candidates until the state Supreme Court settles legal questions about the process." Consequently, judicial elections will also be postponed.
This whole process may be confusing to most folks. But, South Carolina State Senator Nathan Ballentine illuminates the process and provides some useful links at his Blog. Still, in any event, this case is very important, which is why the Supreme Court of South Carolina has granted an expedited hearing.
Bristol Palin "Demands" Child Support
CNN reports that "Bristol Palin demands child support." While some folks appear to be upset about this development, we are neither surprised nor outraged. If Ms. Palin's Pleadings are to be believed, Levi Johnston--the "sperm donor" baby daddy--has generated a pretty good income from his relationship with the Palin family. So there is no reason why he should not provide for his child.
Labels: Child Support, Dodging Child Support, Election of Judges, Family Court Backlog, Responsibility
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
WILL MOREDOCK CALLS OUT THE SOUTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO STOP PANDERING AND TO DO ITS JOB
In his January 11, 2010 post "Official Child Neglect by the S.C. General Assembly and Governor Mark Sanford," South Carolina journalist/author/columnist/blogger Will Moredock challenges those who can make a difference to make a difference.
Some folks who are familiar with Mr. Moredock's work may pass this off as just another case of "Left-wing whining." However, we remind them that Mr. Moredock is writing about the "Welfare Reform Act" and South Carolina's failure to implement programs designed both to get mothers and children off of welfare and to make fathers financially responsible for their children--not exactly your usual "Left-wing whining." Additionally, we take this opportunity to point out that Mr. Moredock appears to be suggesting that government ought to be both accountable and competent--again not your usual "Left-wing whining" sort of idea.
In his January 11, 2010 post "Official Child Neglect by the S.C. General Assembly and Governor Mark Sanford," South Carolina journalist/author/columnist/blogger Will Moredock challenges those who can make a difference to make a difference.
Some folks who are familiar with Mr. Moredock's work may pass this off as just another case of "Left-wing whining." However, we remind them that Mr. Moredock is writing about the "Welfare Reform Act" and South Carolina's failure to implement programs designed both to get mothers and children off of welfare and to make fathers financially responsible for their children--not exactly your usual "Left-wing whining." Additionally, we take this opportunity to point out that Mr. Moredock appears to be suggesting that government ought to be both accountable and competent--again not your usual "Left-wing whining" sort of idea.
Labels: Computerized Child Support System, Federal Fines, Responsibility, Welfare Reform
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"OCTOMOM" DEFENDS FERTILITY DOCTOR AGAINST ACCUSATIONS OF NEGLIGENCE
According to KTLA News of Los Angeles:
"Octomom" Nadya Suleman is defending the doctor who helpedher conceive 14 children, including her famous octuplets, after the California Medical Board accused him of negligence and violating professional guidelines.In a video posted to RadarOnline.com, Suleman said Dr. Michael Kamrava did nothing wrong. She joked that, if the doctor loses his license, she doesn't know who she'll get treatment from if she wants more babies.The state licensing board says Kamrava, a fertility doctor in Beverly Hills, acted "beyond the reasonable judgment of any treating physician" in treating Suleman, who's identified by her initials only in the complaint. According to the document filed Dec. 22, Kamrava displayed repeated negligence during his treatment of Suleman, beginning in 1997 and culminating in the Jan. 26, 2009, birth of her octuplets.
We think Dr. Kamrava's actions are indefensible and that he should be held accountable for them. But those interested in reading the entire referenced article can click Octomom" Defends Doc Against Accusations of Negligence.
Labels: Responsibility
Monday, January 11, 2010
PROBLEMS AT THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND WHO BEARS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM
Admittedly, we should have been able to find this document earlier. However, a careful review of the document will review that there is nothing “murky” about who caused the "Mess at DSS." The only thing that is murky is what steps are being taken to rectify the overall problems including, but not limited to, the lack of the mandated computer system, the lack of a New Hire Reporting Directory, and the Legislature’s failure to amend Legislation that clearly conflicts with Federal Law and that could result in a loss of Federal Funding.
We call your attention to the following:
December 30, 2004 - In a letter dated December 30, 2004, OCSE told DSS they would not approve the RFP because the RFP stated that allocation of child support collections for all case types must be based on state law. OCSE said state law conflicted with the federally mandated allocation hierarchy. To address the allocation issue, the State first sought to negotiate the issue with federal authorities. When this did not provide relief, the General Assembly amended state statute to conform with federal law during the 2004-2005 legislative session. This allowed DSS to amend the RFP and gain federal approval (emphasis added).
Labels: Problems at DSS, Responsibility
Thursday, December 24, 2009
CHRISTMAS EVE GRANDSTANDING BY THE GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA
This letter is outrageous Christmas Eve Grandstanding. South Carolinians--mostly Mothers earning 77% of the wages of their male counterparts, who in turn earn 80% of the average American wage earner--are owned over one and a half BILLION DOLLARS in past due child support. In the meantime, Mark Sanford's hand-picked DSS Chief and her over-paid incompetent minions cannot manage to do what every other State in the United States has done despite being given $100 Million by the FEDS to comply with the Law and being fined another $80 Million for failure to comply with Welfare Reform Legislation passed during the Clinton Administration. And the Republican-controlled Legislature cannot manage to pass a SIMPLE piece of Legislation that complies with Federal Law.
And no matter how you slice it, this MESS AT DSS is neither the fault of Congressman Jim Clyburn nor that of the Democratic Party. Rather, the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Governor Mark Sanford and the South Carolina Republicans who control the General Assembly.
Labels: Computerized Child Support System, Institutional Mismanagement, New Hire Reporting, Problems at DSS, Responsibility
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
FORMER MS. SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN USA INTERVIEWS "OCTOMOM"
We are not certain whether viewing the clip of this interview will discourage teenage pregnancy or whether it will encourage teenage pregnancy in South Carolina. Still the clip is hilarious.
Labels: Responsibility, Welfare Reform
Thursday, October 15, 2009
SET ASIDE CHILD SUPPORT--AVOID JAIL
It has been reported that "Father of Palin's grandson to pose for Playgirl." And it has also been reported "Jackson doctor may face arrest over (non-payment of) child support."
For his sake, we hope the naked boy is paying attention to the doctor's plight and is setting aside some money for his child.
Labels: Child Support, Responsibility
Friday, July 17, 2009
JON ENGAGED? WHAT WILL KATE SAY?
CBS writes “Jon Engaged? What Will Kate Say?” A better question might be, “Does Jon have his child support checks ready to roll?”
Labels: Child Support, Responsibility
Friday, March 13, 2009
EX-NFL PLAYER--NINE CHILDREN WITH NINE DIFFERENT WOMEN AND CAN'T PAY SUPPORT
The New York Times reports With Nine Mouths to Feed, Travis Henry Says He’s Broke. According to the article, "Henry argued that, within the context of richly paid athletes, he was not out of line. He contended that he owned no more than three vehicles at once and figured he had spent $250,000 on jewelry. 'That ain’t a lot,' he said. Nevertheless, he was hoping to pawn some jewelry to pay off one of many debts and gain freedom."
It's hard to feel sorry for a guy who received $25 million contract in 2007, even if he was cut last year by the Denver and "only" $6.7 million. On the other hand, maybe he should contact the folks at http://www.paternityfraud.com/ for some assistance. Or maybe he should move to South Carolina, "Friend of the Deadbeat Dad." Or maybe he should have been a basketball player and could have managed to go ten years without paying support.
All kidding aside, both the NFL and the Denver Broncos have some culpability here too. They had to have been aware of Mr. Henry's procreation addiction and should have, at the very least, with-held a portion of his wages to insure he was able to meet his obligations to his children.
Labels: "Deadbeat Dads", Pro Athletes, Responsibility
Thursday, February 12, 2009
TAXPAYERS MAY HAVE TO COVER OCTOPLET MOM’S COSTS
The Associated Press has reported:
We have a suggestion for determining who should pay for the costs of raising these children—the biological parents. That means “Dad” and "Mom”--"sperm donor" and "egg donor." Give him visitation, but make him contribute. And the idiot doctor and hospital administrators who approved this whole fiasco should reimburse the hospital for the costs associated with this dangerous and expensive procedure out of their own pockets. At a time when many Americans cannot afford even basic preventive health care and when social safety net programs are being cut to the bone all over the country, spending limited resources on this kind of self-indulgent procedure borders on criminality. If it isn’t against the law it ought to be.A big share of the financial burden of raising Nadya Suleman's 14 children could fall on the shoulders of California's taxpayers, compounding the public furor in a state already billions of dollars in the red.
Even before the 33-year-old single, unemployed mother gave birth to octuplets last month, she had been caring for her six other children with the help of $490 a month in food stamps, plus Social Security disability payments for three of the youngsters. The public aid will almost certainly be increased with the new additions to her family.
Also, the hospital where the octuplets are expected to spend seven to 12 weeks has requested reimbursement from Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, for care of the premature babies, according to the Los Angeles Times. The cost has not been disclosed.
Labels: Child Support, Responsibility, Welfare Reform
Friday, August 15, 2008
GREENVILLE MINISTER ARRESTED FOR BACK CHILD SUPPORT
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- A Greenville church music minister has been sentenced to six months in prison for failing to pay more than $394,000 in back child support for his 13 children. WYFF-TV in Greenville says a judge ordered Lyman Rea on Thursday to pay $37,000 before he's released. He was arrested Wednesday while preparing for an evening service at Second Baptist Church in Greenville.
It's unclear if Rea had an attorney. Calls to his home and the church were not immediately returned Thursday. A spokesman for the sheriff's department said he wasn't sure if the man had a lawyer.
Thirteen children? $394,000 in back child support owed? We have to wonder whether this man was filing Income Tax Returns and whether his employer filed the requisite New Hire Reporting Form.
Labels: "Deadbeat Dads", Child Support, DNA, Responsibility
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
OBAMA CALLS FOR MORE RESPONSIBILITY FROM BLACK FATHERS
On Father's Day Senator Barrack Obama Calls for More Responsibility From Black Fathers.
While his timing is a little awkward, Senator Obama's points are well taken. Now if he will only make the same call to white mothers, and Asian grandmothers, and government social service workers, and white uncles, and Hispanic parents, and faith group social service providers.
Our point is that out of wedlock births to adolescent parents have reached epidemic proportions. It is a problem that cannot be solved by one group alone.
Labels: Responsibility
Thursday, February 28, 2008
ATHLETES WITH ILLEGITIMATE KIDS
We do not mean to pick on anyone. But, this appears to be the height of irresponsibility. Something is terribly wrong with our society when these are the folks whom we emulate.
We do not mean to pick on anyone. But, this appears to be the height of irresponsibility. Something is terribly wrong with our society when these are the folks whom we emulate.
Labels: Pro Athletes, Responsibility
Friday, March 23, 2007
EX-WIFE WITH MS MAY GET SUPPORT
The Charleston Post and Courier has reported on a sad story in which a woman with Multiple Sclerosis is owed over $100,000 in back support by her former husband. It appears that her ex-husband, Reginald Louis Brown, decided to shirk his support obligations and spend his time hiding out in South Carolina where he performed volunteer work on the educational tall ship the Spirit of South Carolina.
Brad Van Liew, executive director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, is quoted as saying, "He's got a good group of friends on the project. Everybody's just kind of stunned by the whole thing…I'd really like to hear his side of the story" (emphasis added).
We are sure that there are several people other than Mr. Liew who would like to hear Mr. Brown’s side of the story, including his ex-wife. And we would like to ask the State of Michigan why it took so long to locate this guy. After all, if they cannot find people who own registered boats, possess driver's licenses, owe massive amounts of back support, and live in the open, what hope is there for parents seeking back support from obligors who are more stealthy and who owe less?
The Charleston Post and Courier has reported on a sad story in which a woman with Multiple Sclerosis is owed over $100,000 in back support by her former husband. It appears that her ex-husband, Reginald Louis Brown, decided to shirk his support obligations and spend his time hiding out in South Carolina where he performed volunteer work on the educational tall ship the Spirit of South Carolina.
Brad Van Liew, executive director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, is quoted as saying, "He's got a good group of friends on the project. Everybody's just kind of stunned by the whole thing…I'd really like to hear his side of the story" (emphasis added).
We are sure that there are several people other than Mr. Liew who would like to hear Mr. Brown’s side of the story, including his ex-wife. And we would like to ask the State of Michigan why it took so long to locate this guy. After all, if they cannot find people who own registered boats, possess driver's licenses, owe massive amounts of back support, and live in the open, what hope is there for parents seeking back support from obligors who are more stealthy and who owe less?
Labels: Responsibility
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
P. DIDDY TO APPEAL CHILD SUPPORT ORDER
The New York Times is reporting that singer/actor/producer/businessman P. Diddy is appealing what could be the largest child support order in New York state history.
Last month, the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division approved an increase from about $5,000 to $21,782 per month to P. Diddy's ex-girlfriend, Misa Hylton-Brim. Representatives of both P. Diddy and Hylton-Brim say it's the highest child support payment in state history.
In an interview with The Associated Press Tuesday, the hip-hop mogul vowed to appeal, saying the case was "an attack on his character."
''It's not about money. I don't care how much money I have,'' he said. ''If you come at me and say I don't take care of my child, I'm going to take care of that to the end.''
He said the courts should not have negated the previous, years-old agreement between the pair, which stipulated a $5,000 monthly figure. ''The law would be saying that contracts are null and void. I don't think that it would be like that with someone else,'' he said.
Hey P. Diddy, get a clue. Granted, this is a lot of money. And your "baby mama" may be seeking ''adult support'' as you claim. But, you are just making other fathers look bad by raising these same tired old arguments. This is no sweat for you--chump change. And your silliness undermines the argument that there are actually people who object to the amount of child support they have been ordered to pay because they can not pay it, not because they are insulted at being asked to pay it.
Besides, did your lawyer not tell you that child support agreements are unlike most contracts and they are subject to constant monitoring and adjustment?
The New York Times is reporting that singer/actor/producer/businessman P. Diddy is appealing what could be the largest child support order in New York state history.
Last month, the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate Division approved an increase from about $5,000 to $21,782 per month to P. Diddy's ex-girlfriend, Misa Hylton-Brim. Representatives of both P. Diddy and Hylton-Brim say it's the highest child support payment in state history.
In an interview with The Associated Press Tuesday, the hip-hop mogul vowed to appeal, saying the case was "an attack on his character."
''It's not about money. I don't care how much money I have,'' he said. ''If you come at me and say I don't take care of my child, I'm going to take care of that to the end.''
He said the courts should not have negated the previous, years-old agreement between the pair, which stipulated a $5,000 monthly figure. ''The law would be saying that contracts are null and void. I don't think that it would be like that with someone else,'' he said.
Hey P. Diddy, get a clue. Granted, this is a lot of money. And your "baby mama" may be seeking ''adult support'' as you claim. But, you are just making other fathers look bad by raising these same tired old arguments. This is no sweat for you--chump change. And your silliness undermines the argument that there are actually people who object to the amount of child support they have been ordered to pay because they can not pay it, not because they are insulted at being asked to pay it.
Besides, did your lawyer not tell you that child support agreements are unlike most contracts and they are subject to constant monitoring and adjustment?
Labels: "Deadbeat Dads", Child Support, Responsibility, Wasting Court Time
