I am afraid of the father of my child. Can I get TAFDC without going to court or helping DTA find him?

You do not have to give the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) the name of the father or any information about the father, or work with them to get child support, if you have any one of the following "good cause reasons":

• There is a chance that the father will seriously harm you or your child, either physically or emotionally. You can prove this with a copy of your 209A protective order, or with a police report, or with medical records, or with a written statement from a social service agency or shelter, or with a written statement from someone else who knows your situation; or
• Your pregnancy was the result of rape or incest and you can prove this with a birth certificate or medical or police records; or
• You are planning to give up your child for adoption.

Your DTA worker has to explain to you what “good cause” is.
Tell your worker if you are afraid the father of your child may hurt you or your child, or if you have one of the other reasons for claiming "good cause." Your worker must help you get the proof if you need help.

If your DTA worker is not helpful, ask to speak with a DTA Domestic Violence Specialist. Domestic Violence Specialists are trained workers who should understand your safety concerns.

If DTA agrees that you have "good cause," DTA will do one of two things.

• DTA may decide not to let the Department of Revenue go after child support at all or
• DTA may decide that DOR can go after child support but you will not have to go to court or help.

Make sure that you know what DTA decides. If you are unhappy with the decision in any way, you have the right to appeal. Call your local legal services program or battered women’s program for help.