2016 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 46 - Public Welfare and Assistance
RS 46:236.1.7 - Family and child support programs; liability

§236.1.7. Family and child support programs; liability

A. The district attorney, department, and their respective staff acting pursuant to this Subpart and R.S. 9:396(B) shall be immune from civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed. Such immunity shall extend to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from any actions under this Subpart but shall not limit or otherwise affect the liability of any person for damages resulting from such person's gross negligence or from his reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct.

B. Any attorney initiating legal proceedings pursuant to this Subpart and Titles IV-D and IV-A of the Social Security Act shall represent the state of Louisiana, Department of Children and Family Services exclusively. An attorney-client relationship shall not exist between the attorney and any applicant or recipient of child support enforcement services for and on behalf of a child or children, without regard to the name in which legal proceedings are initiated. In those cases in which the Department of Children and Family Services is providing child support services, the attorney representing the department shall not represent any party in matters involving custody or visitation. The provisions of this Subsection shall apply to a staff attorney in the child support enforcement section of the Department of Children and Family Services, district attorney, or contract attorney providing support services pursuant to Title IV-D.

C. In the course of carrying out the provisions of this Subpart, no employees of the state shall be exempt from civil liability.

Acts 2003, No. 1068, §2, eff. July 2, 2003; Acts 2012, No. 255, §7.