37-1-138 - Liability for expenses of returning juvenile to custody of department of children's services.
37-1-138. Liability for expenses of returning juvenile to custody of department of children's services.
(a) The parent or other person who is the physical custodian of a juvenile shall reimburse the state for any expenses incurred by the state in returning such juvenile to the department if:
(1) The juvenile is in the legal custody of the department of children's services;
(2) The juvenile has been temporarily released for a definite period of time to the physical custody of such parent or custodian; and
(3) The juvenile has not returned to the physical custody of the department at the time designated for such return in the temporary release.
(b) The department shall notify the parent or other custodian of this liability prior to release of such juvenile.
(c) The department has the authority to initiate an appropriate civil action in order to collect any proceeds to which it is entitled under the provisions of subsection (a). For any judgment rendered in the state's favor, execution shall issue as provided by law.
[Acts 1982, ch. 569, § 1; T.C.A., § 37-284; Acts 1989, ch. 278, § 38; 1996, ch. 1079, § 73.]