Child support laws archaic

by Donna Wilke
(Albany, NY)

My sons' father is totally delinquent when taking responsibility for the son he says he loves so much. He works under the table to avoid paying support, and has slid through the system so far, even though he is taken to court for violation. Although he has visitation rights, he is inconsistent and visits very infrequently...sometimes not showing up and disappointing his 3 1/2 year old son who doesn't understand. The law for visitation needs to be desperately changed. Allowing these men to see their children is like saying you can have them, but don't worry about feeding or clothing them. Child protective services defines this as maltreatment and neglect...there's something wrong!! As a mother who cherishes her son, it hurts my heart and soul to know that he will be disappointed. It would be more appropriate for a father to have to pay support for the privilege of being around his child... then we would see how many of them would step up to the plate and do the right thing. If I did not feed or cloth my son, the authorities would take him from me...isn't this the same thing?