Arkansas Code Title 20. Public Health and Welfare § 20-76-412. Deserted spouses and children

Whenever any person makes an application for Transitional Employment Assistance Program benefits from the Department of Human Services and the application reveals that the applicant or child or children was or were put in such needy circumstances as to require public assistance by reason of the fact that the spouse or child or the illegitimate child was deserted or abandoned or left in destitute or necessitant circumstances by willful neglect or refusal to provide for the support or maintenance of the spouse or child by the child’s parents, then it shall be the duty of the department to refer that applicant or child or children to the Office of Child Support Enforcement, to attempt to establish the paternity of the child or children, if necessary, and secure support therefor from any person who might owe the child or children a duty of support.