Parents With Past-Due "Accounts"

[diamondbackAPL]

I'm sorry, I meant it as a joke (think about it you wouldn't really do it would you?) I sometimes have trouble getting my point across when I'm not talking face to face. now that I think about, I've disturbed myself.

[dd]

We have had this problem two years in a row. Last year, we never did get the money. This year, we sent certified letters giving them a date that they money had to be paid or else we would be forced to persue the next legal step. (received our money two days later) This coming year, we are making all the popcorm orders prepaid. Child must have money at the time that the order is placed. I think this is the only way not to get stiffed. I don't know about everyone else, but our popcorn always arrives three weeks before Christmas and people "just don't have the money" and we are either stuck with bounced checks are expensive tins of popcorn. I know all the different school fundraisers require prepayment and most people would rather pay ahead so they don't forget about it.

[halo]

You need to take steps to cover your tracks and a have a legal foundation. Send certified/return receipt letters requesting the money. Follow standard practices, charge interest if you must. Put deadlines on the letters (ie if your account is not paid by July 15, we can no longer allow your son to attend this event....etc).

You haven't mentioned what the boy's take on this situation is. Since it is his account, he has the right to know what is going on. If he cares enough, he'll make his parents pay. If not, then, without question, you keep him from freeloading asap.

Either way, divise a plan, have the committee approve it, clear it with the CR, and stick to your guns.

Good luck!

[momma_bee]

If you are going to require pre-payment, make sure the person taking orders has the backbone to back this up.

Our treasurer, as a PTO treasurer, required pre-payment (w/the Pack Com blessing) then, took an order from one boy who called it in to her, so no payment was collected. She said she did it because it was so large ($230).

Then, since the parents don't attend ANYTHING, she sent the order home with him at a meeting, assuming the parents would send the money.

Year later, no money recieved, and she took the order AGAIN!!! I just learned this 2-3 weeks ago, and guess what else? They didn't pay for this one either.

We decided NOT to withhold the prize because it wasn't the Scouts fault his parents are deadbeats.

One thing your Pack COULD do is offer a settlement. Ask for the cost the pack paid. Yes, you are giving up your profit, but then you haven't LOST any money either. This is better than being in the hole.

Personally, the issue with the Troop and with the Pack are two different problems. It isn't the Troops fault that the Pack didn't get the money. If the Troop took him in without the registration being paid, it is their problem and they can refuse to allow the Scout to participate until the money is paid, but if the Pack paid it for him, then the pack needs to collect it.

Just my 2cents.

MBee

[evmori]

Maybe if you withheld the award the parents would have ponied up. It's tough to do to a Scout but a valuable lesson needs to be learned or it is very possible this young man will grow up to do the same thing his parents are doing.

[Billiken]

In our particular situation we decided not to penalize the scout.

[momma_bee]

In our case, in 3 years, his family has brought him 3 times. Two were PW derbys. The 3rd was sign-up. Grandma signed him up.

No Blue & Gold dinner

No Day or Resident camp

No Field Trips unless his DL takes him

He asked every WEEK where his pocketknife was, and when it would come in.

I couldn't say 'sorry, your parents have let you down again'

[Billiken]

Sounds like this kid's parents think BSA stands for BabySitters of America.

[evmori]

In our case, in 3 years, his family has brought him 3 times. Two were PW derbys. The 3rd was sign-up. Grandma signed him up.

No Blue & Gold dinner

No Day or Resident camp

No Field Trips unless his DL takes him

He asked every WEEK where his pocketknife was, and when it would come in.

I couldn't say 'sorry, your parents have let you down again'

I could have and would have.

[Billiken]

Just got a call from the Pack Treasurer. It seems that the parent with the past due account just delivered a money order for the full amount that was past due. Also included was a letter of apology for the delay.

Frankly, we had written off the amount.

[Mrw]

Just goes to show that miracles can happen!

[Scouting179]

I took all those months to pay up and yet the kid all those electronic gadgets -- which I think are worth mentioning as it shows the parents do have funds, just messed up priorities.....hmmm hmmm