311.19 Good Cause: Acceptable Reasons (FAM)

SR 00-08 Dated 02/00

Previous Policy

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Good cause for refusal to cooperate exists in the following instances:

• when efforts to establish paternity or secure support are against the best interests of the individual, child, or family and could:

- cause physical or emotional harm to the child; or

- cause physical or emotional harm to the parent/caretaker relative sufficient to reduce the capacity of that person to care for the child adequately;

• when the child was conceived as a result of incest or rape;

• when proceedings for adoption of the child are pending in a court;

• when a social service agency—either public or licensed private—is helping the parent/caretaker relative decide whether to relinquish the child for adoption, but only when the discussions have been going on for less than 3 months;

• when the parent/caretaker or a family member is or has been a victim of family/domestic violence.

See PART 323, FAMILY/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OPTIONS (FVO), for the definition of family/domestic violence and verification requirements for good cause reasons due to family/domestic violence. See FAM 311.25, Good Cause: Verification, for verification requirements for all other claims of good cause for non-cooperation with child support requirements.