General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I May be Going to Debtor's Prison [View all]sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)devastating. They would rather see their dad even if he can't pay child support, than know he is in jail. Ever visit a jail and see the children going to see their fathers? I have, and I now what it does to them. Not to mention that if he has a hard time now getting a job, watch what happens when he has to tell potential employers he has been in jail.
In some more evolved societies, the children are the first consideration. What will it do to them to have to tell their friends 'my dad is in jail' eg. How the father can be helped to earn enough to provide for his children, money is spent on social programs to ensure that everything is done to avoid imposing the stigma of jail, not just on a poor father, but on his children also.
I am truly saddened to see here a Democratic board, any support for jail as a solution for this kind of problem. I used to think only the 'law and order' crowd on the right would support this kind of 'solution' to a problem that could be handled in a more humane way.
But this is the America of today where humane treatment of anyone, is no longer considered. We are all about 'revenge' and 'punishment' and just look at what kind of society we are becoming as a result of those kinds of policies.