Macomb County prosecutor proposes Michigan’s first child support specialty court

Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido has proposed Michigan's first child support specialty court aimed at assisting parents behind on child support payments to find employment, repay debts, and avoid felony convictions. The program would allow parents to plead guilty with delayed sentencing while they complete a one-year program involving payments, employment, and supervision, potentially avoiding a felony record. Lucido plans to utilize existing resources without new funding and hopes to expand the initiative statewide, emphasizing the importance of supporting children and utilizing Michigan's talent pool to address the $5.6 billion owed in unpaid child support.