DCFS: $1.5 Billion Owed In Back Child Support

More than $1.5 billion in back child support is owed by more than 58,000 noncustodial parents in the state of Louisiana, according to Lindsey DeBleaux with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

DeBleaux, who joined "Nathan & Bernie in the Morning" Wednesday, said the parents who made it to a most wanted list Tuesday--there are 14 of them--have evaded the department for years and "have done everything they can to stay off our radar."

In Lafayette Parish, there are six noncustodial parents who each owe more than $100,000 in child support, according to DCFS records.

DCFS has the ability to intercept state and federal tax returns, casino winnings, place liens on property, suspend drivers, hunting and fishing licenses, and bring about contempt of court charges, but all of those methods are useless if a parent successfully avoids them, DeBleaux said.

Parents who receive child support are less likely to apply for government benefits, such as food stamps, and their children are more likely to graduate from high school and "go on to do better and more in their lives," DeBleaux said.

To listen to the full interview with DeBleaux, click on the 'Play' button below.