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Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: FS 16 The eligibility specialist must refer the individual to CSE even when it appears that good cause exists. 1410.1708 Reasons for Good Cause (FS) Accept the good cause determination by Child Support Enforcement. Good cause may exist when cooperation in establishing paternity or securing child support could result in one of the following conditions:

1. physical harm to the child - examples are broken bones, bruises, burns, lacerations, etc.; 2. emotional harm to the child - examples are poor school performance, sleep disturbances, self destructive behavior, eating disorders, etc.; 3. physical harm to the parent or caretaker relative, which reduces the individual’s capacity to care for the child adequately (such as life threatening injury); or 4. emotional harm to the parent or caretaker relative to such a degree that the individual’s capacity to adequately care for the child is diminished (such as any psychological disorder or dysfunction which has a serious impact on the individual’s abilities as caretaker).

Good cause may also exist under the following circumstances:

1. the child was conceived as a result of incest or forcible rape, 2. legal proceedings for the adoption of the child are pending before a court, or 3. the parent or caretaker relative is being assisted by a public or licensed private social agency to determine whether or not to relinquish the child for adoption (this circumstance is valid for three months). 1410.1709 Failure to Cooperate (FS) When the parent, including a teen parent or caretaker relative refuses to provide information regarding the non-custodial parent of a child under the age of 18 residing in the home during an application or eligibility review, the eligibility specialist must review child support cooperation requirements with the individual.

Note: A pregnant woman with no other deprived children is not subject to child support cooperation until the child’s birth.

Deny food stamp assistance for the individual (adult or teen parent) subject to child support cooperation if he/she does not express an intent to claim good cause or the intent to cooperate with Child Support Enforcement and authorize benefits for the other household members, if eligible. A referral to the Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement Agency to establish cooperation is not necessary when the individual expresses intent not to cooperate or claim “good cause”. 1410.1710 CSE Reports of Failure to Cooperate (FS) When Child Support Enforcement (CSE) requests a sanction be imposed because a custodial parent or caretaker relative did not comply with Child Support Enforcement requirements, immediate action will be taken to remove the non-compliant custodial parent or caretaker relative from food stamps, allowing for a 10-day notice of adverse action. The non-cooperative custodial parent will be treated as “technically ineligible” for food stamp budgeting purposes. Refer to passage 2610.0410 for how to treat these individuals. 1410.1711 Ending Sanction (FS) Eligibility staff must: