MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido is proposing Michigan’s first child support specialty court, a pilot program designed to help parents behind on payments find work, repay debt, and avoid felony convictions.
Unpaid child support in Macomb County totals about $312 million. Under current law, parents who owe more than $5,000 can face felony charges — convictions that often make it harder to secure employment and pay back what’s owed.
Lucido said the specialty court would offer an alternative. Parents could plead guilty, but sentencing would be delayed while they complete a one-year program requiring payments, employment, and court oversight. Successful participants could avoid a felony record altogether.
“I don’t want them to have a felony. I don’t even want to charge them with a felony,” Lucido said. “I want them to go into a specialty court and get the help they need to find them a job as well as put them to work.”
The court would function much like veterans, drug and mental health courts that focus on rehabilitation. Participants would be closely supervised and connected with resources, including Michigan Works and job training programs.
“Why don’t we do something positive? Michigan Works is already in place, the Friend of the Court is already in place, the judges and the prosecutors are there,” Lucido said. “Get them hooked up with Michigan Works, let’s get them a job.”
Lucido said no new funding would be required, since existing resources could be used. He plans to launch the program in Macomb County first, then seek bipartisan support in Lansing to expand it statewide.
“At the end of the day, five-point-six billion dollars here in Michigan is unacceptable,” Lucido said. “Why wouldn’t we use the talent pool that we have here in Michigan, fill jobs, and do the right thing by taking care of our children — they are our future.”
If approved, the court could begin as early as next year.