JEFFERSON COUNTY - By Megan Dillard - A startling statistic in a new report shows the amount of unpaid child support across the state is nearly $11 billion.
KFDM spoke with two women who say the amount of back child support owed doesn't surprise them.
According to the Houston Chronicle, there are about one million parents across Texas who are required to pay child support.
Nearly half of parents fell behind on payments in 2011.
State and national authorities say the economy and jobless rates contribute to the staggering figures.
A spokeswoman for the Texas Attorney General's office says collectors are seeing increased caseloads and more parents who are applying to have reduced payment amounts.
KFDM spoke with a woman who has custody of her nephew she says child support payments from his mother would really help their family.
"It's the kids who are suffering. It's not about the parents. They can't help you chose to have kids. Pay for them. It's your responsibility as a parent."
KFDM also spoke with an attorney who explained, "The impact it makes in on the child and what life events they get exposed to, what extras they're afforded, what life experiences they get. Money does play a part in that. If there's not money coming in to meet the basic needs, the children lose out on other life experiences."
Click here for more on child support in Texas: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/cs/index.shtml
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