A new report released Wednesday by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga documents how an innovative cross-sector partnership is improving the experiences and outcomes for Hamilton County residents with court-enforced debt.

Because of this partnership, 584 default judgments have been avoided, and 336 negotiated agreements have been reached in just under one year, it was stated.

Officials said, "Several years ago, the Community Foundation began examining barriers to economic opportunity in Hamilton County and discovered that court-enforced debt was quietly creating long-term financial instability for many working individuals and families in our community.

"The Community Foundation recognized the complexity of the issue and drew on the relationships it had built with judges, court staff, legal aid providers, employers, policymakers, and community leaders to identify practical solutions. In addition, the Foundation partnered with The Pew Charitable Trusts for research and expertise.

"This work has produced a series of legislative, administrative, and procedural changes that improve transparency, increase participation in the court process, and deliver better outcomes for courts, creditors, and consumers."

Maeghan Jones is president & CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.

View the full report: https://issuu.com/cfgcha/docs/court-enforced_debt_in_hamilton_county_tn