§ 15:1086 — Contribution to cost of care by parent, custodian

§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.

Legislative History

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.