§910.  Juvenile offenders; collection of parental support payments for cost of care

A.  When the Department of Public Safety and Corrections provides for care and treatment of a child assigned to a secure juvenile institution under the provisions of this Part, the parent or legal guardian for the juvenile offender shall be required to provide support for the cost of such care and treatment in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state regulations, and commensurate with ability to pay, in accordance with a sliding scale established by R.S. 9:315 through 9:315.15.  Regulations established by the department to compute the parent's financial responsibility shall take into consideration other children living in the home.  In assessing the amount of support, the department shall insure that the support payment does not exceed the cost to the department nor shall the cost basis include costs exclusively associated to confinement such as, but not necessarily limited to, security.  

B.  At the time the juvenile offender is assigned to the secure institution, the department shall notify the parent or legal guardian of his responsibility to provide support 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 the person liable for support under the provisions of this Section as soon as possible after placement of the juvenile.  Notice or receipt of notice shall not be a condition of liability.  

C.  Payments shall be made to the department and shall be deposited in the state treasury.  

D.  In the event of default, the department shall exercise all administrative and legal remedies provided by law or regulation to enforce the provisions of this Section, including the imposition of reasonable administrative costs, costs of court, and attorney fees.  It is permissible for the department to enter into an agreement with other public agencies or to contract with the private sector for collection of debts owed to the state under provisions of this Section.  

Acts 1990, No. 513, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1990.