Local authorities are working with the state in a countywide crackdown to track down parents who have violated court orders requiring them to pay child support.

Local parents owe hundreds of thousands of dollars to their children, and state leaders say the only way to make them pay is put them behind bars.

Travis County deputies began arresting parents over the weekend and made 23 arrests Monday alone.

In all, 131 Travis County parents are being targeted because they owe $1.8 million in child support.

Monday, Attorney General Greg Abbott and Travis County Constable Bruce Elfant announced the crackdown.

“Part of the reason we’re here today is to send a loud and clear message to all parents across the state of Texas who owe child support -- you better live up to your obligation. If you fail to pay your child support there will be legal consequences,” said Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General.

Parents face up to six months in jail. Cash bonds they post to get out of jail are paid to the custodial parents and children who are owed back child support.

“Failure to pay child support, I believe, is a form of child abuse,” said Abbott. “These are people who are going to jail because they have failed to live up to their obligation to pay child support to take care of their children.”

“Thus far, deputy constables have arrested 30 individuals who owe an average of $17,000,” said Elfant, Travis County Constable, Precinct 5.

The biggest abuser arrested owes $124,000.

Once parents are arrested, that’s when they typically start paying up.

“I don’t think they realize that it’s hurting the kids,” said Precinct 5 Sergeant Debbie Ricketson.

Officials say children of parents who don’t pay child support are less likely to have healthcare, graduate high school or hold a job.

Arresting offenders is a year-round effort, but deputies hope this sting serves as a clear warning

“Parents in Travis County who fail to live up to their obligation will be held accountable,” said Abbott.

There is good news in all this -- this year, the money owed is the lowest average Travis County has seen in 20 years Constable Elfant says that’s proof state and local efforts are working.