Cite as: 10 CNCA § 1121

A. In any hearing concerning the status of a child, the Court shall have authority to adjudge the parent or parents who have been served with notice of the hearing liable and accountable for the care and maintenance of any child or children, and to order the payment of funds for the care and maintenance of the child, including but not limited to all or some part of medical care and mental health services, as authorized by law. The Court shall have all powers incident to such orders necessary for their enforcement, including the power and authority to require bond or other security for the payment of such order; and may resort to execution and the power of punishment for contempt for noncompliance with such order.

B. The Court shall have the right to increase, decrease, or otherwise modify its orders for care and maintenance, as the conditions or needs of the child or children may require and the ability of the person or persons held to pay may afford. The Court may order support payments to be made direct to the person, organization or institution having the care and custody of the child or children, or directly to the Clerk of the Court.

C. All such funds ordered and paid to the Clerk shall be accounted for; provided, that when payments are made in advance for any child, and custody of the Court is terminated before the end of the period, then the Clerk may refund, by proper voucher, the unused or unaccrued portion of such payment; or the refund may be authorized and paid on claim properly verified and approved by the Judge.