MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – Under the leadership of Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, the Child Support Cooperative Reimbursement Unit has recovered over $3.9 million in back child support since beginning these collections in 2022, ensuring that children in Macomb County receive the financial support they are owed. This remarkable achievement reflects the unit’s commitment to compliance, accountability, and tangible results for families.
“Parents have a moral and legal obligation to support their children. Having them do the right thing is great. However, having children get the support they need is EVEN BETTER,” stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Cooperative Reimbursement Unit is part of the Prosecutor’s Family Division and is primarily grant funded, allowing the Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys to enhance their capacity to address delinquent child support cases and improve outcomes for children.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office will pursue criminal prosecutions (felony non‑support) in cases where:
- It is a Macomb County case and the noncustodial parent resides in Michigan,
- Arrears exceed $5,000 or more,
- Payments have not been made for three months, and
- The noncustodial parent has the ability to pay.
Parents interested in pursuing their child support cases should call the Family Division at (586) 493-4488.
Parents who owe back child support and want to get back on track should also call the Family Division or email pafelonynonsupport@macombgov.org to make payment plan arrangements.
Parents interested in starting a child support case should call (866) 540-0008.
Building on this proven success, Macomb County has launched Michigan’s first Child Support Specialty Court, a pilot program designed to help parents behind on payments find work, repay arrears, and avoid felony convictions. Modeled after other successful diversion programs such as veterans, drug, and mental health courts, the pilot court provides structured supervision and supportive services.
The Child Support Specialty Court will:
- Allow eligible participants to plead guilty but defer sentencing while completing a yearlong program that requires payments, employment, and compliance with court oversight. Successful completion may prevent a felony conviction.
- Provide job training, employment placement, and access to workforce programs, including skilled trades training through Michigan Works.
“This pilot court builds directly on the outstanding work of Chief Kym Shinneman and the Child Support Cooperative Reimbursement Unit, whose efforts have put millions of dollars back in children’s hands,” said Prosecutor Lucido. “Our focus has always been on solutions that work for families. By helping parents meet their obligations, we ensure children receive the support they deserve and reduce the long-term burden on taxpayers.”
An advisory committee of judges, probation officials, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Friend of the Court staff, and commissioners will oversee the program.
Prosecutor Lucido and his team are hopeful that the Michigan Legislature will adopt proposed legislation to expand the court’s authority by allowing sentencing deferrals of up to five years, giving parents with larger arrears more time to repay child support.
“Family values here in Macomb County mean honoring commitments and making sure children are cared for,” Lucido added. “By supporting parents through programs like Child Support Cooperative Reimbursement Unit and the pilot Child Support Specialty Court, we strengthen families, support children, and benefit our communities as a whole.”
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
