Parents & Cost of Care

When the Juvenile Dependency Court takes a child away from the parents, both the parents and the child’s estate must pay for the cost of taking care of the child at a relative’s house, a foster home, the children’s shelter or in a group home.

What if the parents don’t want to pay?

If a child is taken away, the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) collects the money the parents owe. DCSS may file a case in the Superior Court Family Justice Center Courthouse and a Commissioner will hear the case.