Commitment of child to custody of institution or person other than parent or guardian is charge upon county; parent or guardian may be ordered to pay for support of such child; penalty for failure to pay.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, if the juvenile court commits a child to the custody of a person who is not the parent or guardian of the child or to the custody of a public or private institution or agency, and no provision is otherwise made by law for the support of the child, the expenses incurred for the support of the child while in such custody, if approved by an order of the juvenile court, are a charge upon the county where the child has a legal residence.
2. Notwithstanding any other statute providing for the support of such a child, after the parent or guardian of the child has been given notice and a reasonable opportunity to be heard, the juvenile court may order the parent or guardian to pay, in such a manner as the juvenile court may direct and within the ability of the parent or guardian to pay, money to cover in whole or in part the support of the child.
3. If the parent or guardian of the child willfully fails or refuses to pay the money due, the juvenile court may proceed against the parent or guardian for contempt.
4. If the juvenile court orders the parent or guardian of the child to pay for the support of the child pursuant to this section, the money must be paid to the superintendent of the county school district or fiscal officer of the institution to which the child is committed, or the chief administrative officer of the agency to whom the child is committed.
Last modified: February 25, 2006