Parental Responsibilities & Financial Reimbursement

Parental Responsibilities

  • Manage minor infractions through consistent disciplinary approaches.
  • Report all violations of probation.
  • Attend all court meetings and hearings.
  • Communicate honestly and openly with the Probation Officer
  • Provide transportation for Court-ordered programs
  • Know whereabouts of minor at all times
  • Attend all school conferences
  • Inform Court/School of all minor's absences, illnesses, and school programs
  • Attend counseling or other court ordered programs and services
  • Pay for Court-ordered programs and services
  • Comply will the Court’s orders.

Financial Reimbursement

  • Court has authority to order parent & minor to reimburse for any expense incurred.
  • Reimbursement may include cost of Detention, clothing, Foster Care, other placements, psychological testing, medical, dental, optical care, psychiatric evaluations, counseling, drug screens, etc.
  • Court may attach wages or other property or assess additional penalties including fines and jail for failure to pay as ordered. Court services will be provided regardless of ability to pay. You may qualify for a reduction in billing by providing income verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What if I disagree, or my financial situation changes?

    You may ask for a review hearing in front of the Referee or Judge (at no cost).
     
  2. How do I get a court-appointed attorney?

    Contact the court (616-786-4100) and let us know you would like a court-appointed attorney. If you would prefer to have a Spanish-speaking attorney, please let us know when you call.
     
  3. How much will it cost?

    Pretrials - $60.00
    ½ Day Trial - $200.00
    Full Day Trial - $400.00
     
  4. What if I can’t afford the court-appointed attorney?

    The court will still appoint an attorney for you. You may qualify for reduced billing by providing income verification.
     
  5. If I am required to pay, but am unable to pay it all at once, can I make payments?

    Yes. Just contact the reimbursement specialist to set up arrangements. No interest will be assessed.
     
  6. What others could I be billed for?

    Counseling services, out of home placements, clothing allowances, and medication.
     
  7. How much will the counseling cost?

    You will be billed the actual cost of counseling for individual sessions, and $10.00 per session if your child is involved in group counseling.
     
  8. What are out of home placements?

    Detention, foster care or residential placements
     
  9. How much will that cost?

    Regardless of which placement your child is in, the cost billed will be no more than $10 per day.
     
  10. What is a clothing allowance, and how much does it cost?

    A clothing allowance is given when a child is placed in foster care and is in need of clothing items. You will be billed the actual cost of the clothing purchased.
     
  11. What medication or medical bills will I be responsible for?

    Any medical attention or medication costs incurred by the court during your child’s placement.
     
  12. What if I need an interpreter?

    Just call and let us know what type of interpreting services you need. We will arrange to have an interpreter here for your court hearing…at no cost to you.
     
  13. I am a single parent. Will I have to pay for all of the costs incurred?

    No. The maximum you will be billed is 50%.
     
  14. I am divorced. Will my ex-spouse also get a bill?

    Yes. Both parents are legally responsible for costs incurred, regardless of who has physical custody. Each parent will be billed no more than 50% of the costs.
     
  15. But what if I am paying child support? Do I still get billed?

    Yes. You will be billed for no more than 50% of the costs. If your child gets placed out of the home long-term, please contact the reimbursement specialist so that the Friend of the Court can be directed to send your child support payments to us.