(a)  In any case where there has been a refusal or neglect to pay any child support or to discharge any liability in respect to child support, whether or not a levy has been made, the department, in addition to other modes of relief, may file an action in the family court.

(b)  The filing of a civil action shall not preclude the department from enforcing the child support order through the use of any administrative means permitted by federal or state law.

[See §?12-1-15 of the General Laws.]