COLLECTION AND DISBURSEMENT OF SUPPORT PAYMENTS IN TARRANT COUNTY

(a) The juvenile board of Tarrant County may designate the district clerk or the juvenile probation officer to collect and disburse court-ordered child or spousal support payments that are required by court order to be made to the county. The person designated to receive the payments shall disburse the payments in the manner the court believes to be in the best interest of the spouse or child.

(b) If the juvenile board designates the juvenile probation officer to receive the payments, the officer shall work in the court as an officer of the court. The officer shall obtain a surety bond in an amount determined by the commissioners court from a solvent surety company authorized to make the bonds in this state and approved by the commissioners court. The bond shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of the officer's duties and on the proper accounting of the money entrusted to the officer. The county shall pay the premium for the bond from the general fund of the county.

(c) The juvenile probation officer shall keep an accurate and complete record of money received and disbursed under this section. The record is open for public inspection. The county auditor shall inspect and examine the records and audit the accounts quarterly. The auditor shall report the results of the audit to the juvenile board and include any recommendations the auditor may have. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 352, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.