Domestic Violence

MANUAL REFERENCES:

4.7 Good Cause for Refusal to Cooperate with Assignment of Child Support
4.5.4 Extensions to the 45 Month Lifetime Limit
4.13.5 MWA Exemptions and Temporary Exclusions and Waivers

REQUIREMENT:

Temporary Assistance applicants and recipients are asked about domestic violence that may prevent the individual from cooperating with FSD Child Support and/or participating in Work Activities. The issue of domestic violence may arise from the IM-2E Part 1; Section 34. Child Support Agreement in the IM-1TA; or in the Personal Responsibility Plan. Information may also be received from MWA case managers who learn of barriers related to domestic violence.

Domestic violence can be a valid reason to be temporarily excluded from participating in a work activity, and to have benefits extended beyond the Temporary Assistance lifetime limit. This exclusion must be reevaluated every 90 days. Offer referrals to local service providers to families experiencing domestic violence to enable them to begin overcoming this barrier.

All staff with responsibility for processing Temporary Assistance cases are to receive training on issues of domestic violence. Follow the procedures outlined in that training when providing services.

A domestic violence indicator is found on the Person Detail screen. When issues of domestic violence are identified, the indicator for the individual should be updated to “Y” — Yes.

Also see Assignments/Referral and Work Activity.