Okla. Stat. tit. 56, § 56-238: Payment of public assistance creating debt to Department

Any payment of public assistance money by the Department of

Human Services, hereinafter referred to as "Department," to or for

the benefit of any dependent child or children or a child in the

custody of the Department creates a debt due and owing to the State

of Oklahoma by the natural or adoptive parent or parents who are

responsible for support of such child or children in an amount equal

to the amount of public assistance money so paid.

Provided, that any debt under this section shall not be incurred

by nor at any time be collected from a parent or other person who is

the recipient of public assistance monies for the benefit of minor

dependent children for the period such person or persons are in such

status.

Provided further, that where there has been a court order, the

debt shall be limited to the amount provided for by said order. The

Department shall have the right to petition the appropriate court

for modification of a court order on the same grounds as a party to

said cause. The Department shall be subrogated to the right of said

child or children to prosecute or maintain any support action or

execute any administrative remedy existing under the laws of the

State of Oklahoma to obtain reimbursement of money thus expended.