DHS aims to help along child support process

NATCHEZ — On Monday, the Mississippi Department of Human Services’ Child Support Enforcement division started a statewide program aimed at more effectively collecting child support.

The crux of the program centered around free DNA testing for children in order to establish paternity for a means of collecting child support. Human Services’ public information officer Julia Bryan said the test, normally given at a cost of $145, was offered for free in hopes of drawing more parents to be tested. The tests were given under the contingent that if paternity were established the parent would pay child support.

“All children deserve the love and support of both parents,” Bryan said.

Conversely Bryan said the test could be used to disprove paternity and be used as evidence in a child support hearing.