DV Specialists Recommendation Forms

Domestic Violence Good Cause Claims/Child Support Cooperation

When a TAFDC client makes a good cause claim for not cooperating with Child Support Enforcement requirements due to domestic violence, the DV Specialist assigned to the TAO will review the claim.  S/he will make a recommendation as to whether or not good cause for not cooperating should be granted using the Domestic Violence Good Cause Claim or Child Support Cooperation Domestic Violence Specialist Recommendation form.

A client who has a history of domestic violence with the absent parent but wants to cooperate with child support must be referred to the DV Specialist.

Important: While you are obligated to make a referral to the DV Specialist, the client is not obligated to meet or speak with the DV Specialist. You should, however, encourage the client to do so.

After meeting or speaking with the DV Specialist, a client may choose not to claim good cause for child support cooperation due to domestic violence.  The DV Specialist will confirm the client’s decision to cooperate using the Domestic Violence Good Cause Claim or Child Support Cooperation Domestic Violence Specialist Recommendation form.

Important: If an applicant is claiming good cause, which has not yet been verified but is meeting all other program requirements, you must establish the TAFDC case. Investigating a good cause claim does not stop you from determining initial eligibility and establishing TAFDC benefits.

Note: Final decisions for all good cause child support claims involving DV are made by the case manager and the unit supervisor after consulting with the DV Specialist/DV Coordinator and/or the TAO DV Liaison.  DV staff make no eligibility determinations.

The DV Specialist will:

• review the client’s Electronic Case Folder (ECF) relative to reports of: the absent parent’s past or present DV or threat of DV; the client’s conception resulting from incest and/or rape; and physical or emotional harm or risk of harm to the client and/or the dependent(s)
• attempt to contact the client, if contact has not already been made
• if contact is made with the client, assist him/her with obtaining verification of the good cause claim, if s/he agrees
• if contact could not be made with the client, communicate with the case manager/supervisor
• complete the Domestic Violence Good Cause Claim, or Child Support Cooperation Domestic Violence Specialist Recommendation form
• give the appropriate recommendation form and any relevant documents to the TAO Reception Coordinator (RC) as Urgent for scanning to the Document Processing Center (DPC).