CA AB1229

Establishes a statewide program to collect reimbursements from parents and others liable for the costs of court-appointed counsel in juvenile dependency proceedings.

Requires the Judicial Council to adopt statewide standards for determining ability to pay that include family income, necessary obligations, number of dependents, and program cost-effectiveness.

Authorizes courts to recover reasonable costs associated with collecting delinquent reimbursements and to use third-party collection services under specified terms.

Allows courts to designate either a court financial evaluation officer or a county financial evaluation officer (with county consent) to evaluate liability for reimbursement of legal services costs.

Requires both types of financial evaluation officers to follow the same procedures established for county financial evaluation officers under existing law.