If during the continuance of assistance the department finds that a person liable for the support of the recipient of assistance is able to provide the necessary care and support of the recipient and the person liable for the care and support of the recipient fails or refuses to support and care for the recipient, then the state has a cause of action for the assistance against the person liable for it. The action may be brought in the name of the state by the attorney general against the person liable for the recovery of the amount of money, with interest, paid to the recipient, together with the costs and disbursements of the action. The amount collected shall be paid to the Department of Revenue.