Good cause for failure to cooperate with DCSS may be claimed in either the child support process or the medical support process. This claim may be made at any time during the application process or after eligibility has been established.
If good cause is established, DCSS will not attempt to determine paternity, collect child support, or get medical support from the AP.
The A/R has primary responsibility for establishing good cause, but the agency must assist the A/R in obtaining information if the A/R requests assistance.
Listed in the chart below are the circumstances for establishing a good cause claim and the proof required.
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| Physical and/or emotional harm to the child or the A/R | Child Protective Services (CPS), court, criminal, law enforcement, medical, psychological, or social services records indicating the possibility of physical or emotional harm by the AP |
| Child conceived as a result of rape or incest | Medical or law enforcement records indicating conception resulted from rape or incest |
| Pending legal adoption proceedings | Court documents indicating that adoption is pending in court or the statement of a social services worker |
| A social services agency is assisting the A/R in deciding whether to keep the child or release him or her for adoption | Written statement from the social services agency assisting the A/R |
| Any of the above good cause circumstances | Sworn statement from the individuals with knowledge of the good cause circumstances when other proof cannot be obtained |
See policy manual section 1030 for procedures for establishing good cause.