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Delaware TANF State Plan 10-1-23 to 09-30-26 Page 36 of 59
support sanction, the caretaker will provide sufficient information to permit Delaware to pursue child support collections on behalf of the needy children in the family.
When a child lives with both the natural father and the mother, but paternity has not been legally established, the parents will be referred to DCSS for a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.
When a child lives with the natural father, but paternity has not been legally established, the father will complete a declaration of natural relationship document and will provide acceptable verification of relationship.
When a child lives with a relative of the natural father, but paternity has not been legally established, the relative must complete a declaration of natural relationship document and provide acceptable verification of relationship.
In Delaware, DCSS determines non-cooperation with child support requirements. In addition, effective January 1, 1999, DCSS began making the determination of good faith efforts to comply.
Distribution of Child Support Collections to TANF Recipients
Delaware is a fill-the-gap state. Delaware uses fill-the-gap to make sure that families do not experience a net-loss of income due to the State retaining child support paid by absent parents.
3. Foster Care And Adoption Assistance Program
Certification that the state will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program. – A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that, during the fiscal year, the State will operate a foster care and adoption assistance program under the State plan approved under part E, and that the State will take such actions as are necessary to ensure that children receiving assistance under such part are eligible for medical assistance under the State plan under title XIX.
Delaware certifies it will operate a Foster Care and Adoption Assistance program in accordance with part E and the State Plan and take all necessary actions to ensure that children receiving assistance are eligible for medical assistance.
4. Administration of the Program
Certification of the administration of the program. – A certification by the chief executive officer of the State specifying which State agency or