TORONTO — Five so-called deadbeat dads in Ontario have been tracked down thanks to a snitch website that posted their pictures online, the government boasted Monday.

But critics said the government should only celebrate its progress after the affected families are able to cash the outstanding child support cheques owed to them.

The government website Good Parents Pay has received almost 17 million hits in the past month, resulting in about 200 tips from the public, said Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur.

"Goodparentspay.com is a resounding success,'' she said. "Our message (to deadbeat parents) is very clear: we will find you, and we will make sure your children get the support they deserve.''

There are currently 18 profiles of deadbeat parents featured on the website, with photos and personal information like name, age, physical description, occupation and last known location.