RS 15:1086

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RS 15:1086

§1086. Contribution to cost of care by parent, custodian

A. When the Department of Children and Family Services or Louisiana Department of Health or the Department of Public Safety and Corrections provides payments for care and treatment of a child under the provisions of this Part, the parent or legal custodian will be required to contribute to the cost of care of the child in such a manner as is consistent with applicable federal and state regulations, as is commensurate with his ability to pay, and as is in accordance with a sliding scale which shall be established by the departments.

B. The department providing payment for the child shall notify the parent or legal custodian of his responsibility to contribute to the cost of care and shall bill him on a periodic basis, but no less than quarterly, for the amount due. The department shall make every reasonable effort to notify such person of his liability under this Section as soon as possible after placement of the juvenile; however, such notice or receipt thereof is not a condition for the imposition of liability for costs of care under this Section.

C. Such payments shall be made directly to department providing payment for the child and shall be deposited in the state treasury.

D. If a default occurs, the department providing payment for the child shall exercise all administrative and legal alternatives provided by law or regulation to enforce the provisions of this Section. This may include reasonable administrative costs, costs of court, and reasonable attorney fees. The department may enter into an agreement with other public agencies for collection of any debt owed to the state under provisions of this Section.

Added by Acts 1978, No. 786, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1979; Acts 1986, No. 526, §1; Acts 1990, No. 536, §1; H.C.R. No. 59, 1999 R.S.