Upon the failure of any relative of a poor person to relieve and maintain the poor person, the county department of social services in the county in which the poor person resides, shall apply with the advice and assistance of the prosecuting attorney to the probate court of the county where the poor person or relative dwells or the poor person has a legal settlement, for an order to compel the relief. Upon application for an order to compel relief, notice shall be given to necessary parties, as provided by law.
MCL 401.3