EASTMAN, GA – The Oconee Judicial Circuit Court held its Parental Accountability Court (PAC) kickoff on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Dodge County Courthouse. Georgia’s Parental Accountability Courts are a joint effort of the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services and superior court judges.

PACs offer an alternative to incarceration and help chronic non-payers of child support make regular payments. The program uses community resources and judicial oversight to address barriers that keep parents from meeting their child support obligations. Each program, including the services provided to participants, is tailored to the needs of the local community.

Chief Judge Frederick Mullis, Jr. will preside over the Oconee Judicial Circuit PAC court.

“A few people can make progress, but many people working together can make a change,” PAC Coordinator Michelle Hilliard said. “This program is not about changing the past. It’s about learning from the past and striving for a better future. A better future for the participant can lead to a better future for the child. Success begins with an open mind and a leap of faith.” 

The program kicked off this week with five noncustodial parents. At the event participants received words of encouragement from Special Assistant Attorney General William “Trey” Taylor. A number of community, business and political leaders were also in attendance and recognized for their contributions, including Dodge County District Attorney Tim Vaughn, the Department of Labor, the Oconee Fall Line Technical College and the Community Service Board of Middle Georgia.

DHS currently has 31 PAC programs in operation statewide and anticipate having a total of 33 by the end of State Fiscal Year 2017. 

For information about the Parental Accountability Court Program and other outreach services, call 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) or visit dcss.dhs.ga.gov.