Forty-five Ohio counties will participate today in a round-up of parents who are delinquent in paying their court-ordered child support.

"This year's round-up is our largest to date, and reinforces the message that not paying your court-ordered support is a crime," said Jacqueline Romer-Sensky, director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. "Ohio intends to be tough with any parent who ignores the obligation to support his or her children."

Today's round-up is the fourth to be held in cooperation with counties across the state. The first three, from 1997 - 1999, resulted in more than 500 arrests statewide. The round-ups are a cooperative effort between ODJFS, county child support enforcement agencies and the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association.

People targeted during round-up are not making their child support payments, and most have failed to appear for scheduled court dates. The maximum sentence in a criminal non-support case is 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

"By participating in today's round-up, we are pleased to help call attention to the importance of paying child support," said Romer-Sensky. "This is more than a one-day effort. Ohio's child support agencies are working regularly, often daily, with local law enforcement officials to locate parents who are neglecting their court-ordered child support payments."

Counties participating in this year's round-up include: Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Belmont, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Fulton, Geauga, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lake, Licking, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Mercer, Miami, Morgan, Muskingum, Ottawa, Pickaway, Portage, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Union.

Child support collections continue to increase in Ohio as more enforcement techniques become available. Ohio collected $1.78 billion in child support in State Fiscal Year 2000.

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For additional information, contact Jon Allen, ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.