Flavor Flav -- Pays Child Support, Avoids Prison

Flav just released a statement to TMZ ... saying, "No matter what's in the media, I am a good father to all 7 of my children. I'll never let my family do without!"

He adds, "I do the best that I can with what I got and I try to make it work, and any man that doesn't take care of his kids is not a real man and he doesn't get good luck."

"I am satisfied with the judge's decision and I thank the judge for being understanding. Operation No Doubt is now in progress!!!"

Flavor Flav will not be going to prison ... at least not today ... 'cause the rapper has forked over enough back child support to his baby mama to satisfy the court.

As TMZ reported, Flav was in deep trouble ... facing 180 days in the big house after falling behind in child support payments to the tune of $111,186.

But moments ago, Flav appeared in Albany County Family Court ... sportin' his trademark giant clock around his neck, of course.

The court clerk tells us the Public Enemy hype man "took care" of his child support issues with Angie Parker -- the mother of 3 of his children. The court would not reveal if Flav paid off the entire debt ... but sources close to the situation tell us he cut a check for $25k.

The next court date is scheduled for September -- when the judge will make sure Flav is keeping up with his child support obligations.