Justice Department Announces Resources to Reform Practices

On March 14, 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Dear Colleague letter to state and local courts to announce new resources. The purpose of the resources is to assist state and local efforts to reform practices for assessment of ability to pay as part of enforcement efforts to collect fees, fines, and child support. The resources can support the ongoing work of judges, courts, policymakers, program administrators, and other stakeholders in ensuring justice for all individuals, regardless of financial circumstances.