§ 19-11-10 — Investigation to determine ability to support; notification of parent; information forms; penalty for falsifying parents' report

(a) In cases in which a parent's obligation to support has not already been established by a court order, the department may conduct investigations to determine whether a responsible parent is able to support the dependent child receiving public assistance. The department shall notify the parents of any such planned investigation. (b) The department shall notify the parent of his legal duty to support his child or children and shall request information concerning his financial status in order to determine whether he is financially able to provide support. (c) The notice shall inform the parent that he may be liable for reimbursement of any support furnished prior to determination of his financial circumstances as well as future support. (d) Information requested shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the department and shall contain a sworn declaration of income, resources, and other matters bearing on the parent's ability to provide support. The department shall review the forms returned by each obligor and supplement the information provided therein, where required. (e) Any person who knowingly falsifies the parent's report of his income and resources shall be punished as for false swearing.