Oct. 17, 2005: Getting into college, taking the SAT Sept. 20, 2005: Yearbook photo no big deal Sept. 10, 2005: Let the journey begin
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REPORTERS for this series
Dina Gerdeman has been a general assignment reporter at The Patriot Ledger since 1998.
Karen Eschbacher has been a Patriot Ledger reporter for four years. She covered Braintree and Quincy and is now a general assignment reporter.
THE SERIES
UPDATES:
Jan. 5, 2005: A man from Maine said to owe $48,000 in support. Read story
Sept. 25, 2004: Child support program needs major overhaul, lawmakers say. Read stories
— Readers respond: Many parents have their own stories of frustration in dealing with state
— Father in series strikes deal with ex-wife, erases debt
Day 1
System lets 47,782 deadbeats slide without paying. Read story
GRAPHIC: The facts and figures on what deadbeats owe
$10 does what state couldn't do in 5 years. Read story
GRAPHIC: Where to find help
GRAPHIC: Who's in charge?
One child would rather have her dad than money. Read story
GRAPHIC: Numbers of deadbeat dads
GRAPHIC: Caseworkers understaffed, overburdened
Psychologists: Kids bear the brunt of money fights. Read story
GRAPHIC: Economic uncertainty; local numbers
Day 2
Fathers fault state's sloppy record-keeping; Millions in child support never make it to families. Read story
GRAPHIC: Who pays
Deputy says: "It's their child ... they should pay." Read story
GRAPHIC: Where to find help
Deadbeat or dead broke? Either way, responsibility is mandatory.
Read story
GRAPHIC: A list of the South Shore's top deadbeats
Day 3
What works to make deadbeats pay up? States find there is no silver bullet. Read story
GRAPHIC: How the state got involved. A timeline.
State looking at collection deficiencies. Read story
GRAPHIC: Some states try anything: A look at how other states are dealing with the issue.
GRAPHIC: Where to find help
Can't Pay? It's off to jail with you. Read story
GRAPHIC: Following the money.
GRAPHIC: Chasing the money. Advice from the experts
Fed up with the state: Halifax mom tracks down her ex, and makes him pay. Read story
GRAPHIC: Where to find help
