# Idaho Code § 56-203C: 56-203C POWERS OF DEPARTMENT

> Idaho · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203C

## Section

- **Citation:** Idaho Code § 56-203C
- **Heading:** 56-203C POWERS OF DEPARTMENT
- **Jurisdiction:** Idaho
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Idaho Code / Title 56 / Chapter 2 / Section 56-203C

## Text

56-203C. Powers of department. (1) In order to carry out its responsibilities imposed under this chapter and title IV-D of the social security act, the state department of health and welfare, through the attorney general or the respective county prosecuting attorney, or through private counsel is hereby authorized to take the following action:

(a) Petition to establish an order for support including medical support and support for a period during which a child received public assistance;

(b) Petition to establish paternity and order genetic testing of any individual involved in the paternity action;

(c) Petition to modify an order for support in accordance with the Idaho child support guidelines at the request of an obligor, obligee or state agency providing services under title IV-D of the social security act;

(d) Petition to enforce an order for support of a child or a spouse or former spouse who is living with a child for whom the individual also owes support; and

(e) Intervene in a divorce or separate maintenance action or proceedings supplemental thereto, for the purpose of advising the court regarding support of a child or advising the court as to the financial interest of the state of Idaho therein without necessity of further leave of the court.

(f) Other services as required by title IV-D of the social security act.

(2) The department of health and welfare is not authorized to provide services regarding visitation or custody of a child unless so authorized by title IV-D of the social security act.

(3) In any action taken under this section, the prevailing party may, at the discretion of the court, be allowed reasonable attorney's fees and costs to be set by the court.

History:

[56-203C, as added by 1975, ch. 264, sec. 4, p. 712; am. 1979, ch. 201, sec. 1, p. 581; am. 1986, ch. 222, sec. 3, p. 603; am. 1990, ch. 361, sec. 6, p. 978; am. 1996, ch. 221, sec. 1, p. 725; am. 1997, ch. 195, sec. 2, p. 553.]

## Nearby sections

- [Idaho Code § 56-201 56-201 DEFINITIONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-201.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-202 56-202 DUTIES OF DIRECTOR OF STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-202.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203 56-203 POWERS OF STATE DEPARTMENT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203A 56-203A AUTHORITY OF DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE CHILD SUPPORT — SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SERVICES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203A.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203B 56-203B PAYMENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CONSTITUTES DEBT TO DEPARTMENT BY PARENTS — LIMITATIONS — DEPARTMENT SUBROGATED TO RIGHTS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203B.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203C 56-203C POWERS OF DEPARTMENT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203C.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203D 56-203D SET-OFF PROCEDURE FOR CHILD SUPPORT DEBT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203D.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203E 56-203E LOTTERY PRIZE SET-OFF PROCEDURE FOR SUPPORT DEBT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203E.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-203F 56-203F REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN SUPPORT ORDERS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203F.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-204A 56-204A SERVICES FOR CHILDREN.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-204A.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-204B 56-204B TEMPORARY SHELTER CARE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-204B.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-205 56-205 ISSUANCE OF SNAP BENEFITS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-205.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-205A 56-205A SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INTEGRITY MEASURES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-205A.md)
- [Idaho Code § 56-207 56-207 OLD-AGE ASSISTANCE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-207.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T56_C2_S56-203C. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.