In a court order that terminates parental rights, the judge can order that the parents pay post termination child support to DFPS, even though the parents no longer have their parental rights, as long as the child is in substitute care.

If the court does not order the parents to pay post termination child support, the caseworker must request that the court issue a finding that the biological parent must continue to pay any arrears owed to DFPS unless DFPS waives the arrears. See 5343.12 Waiving Child Support Owed to DFPS. Obtaining this finding ensures there is legal authority for DFPS to be paid the arrears the agency is owed for past care.

Once the caseworker obtains the termination order, he or she must send a copy of the order to the eligibility specialist.