131.6 Good Cause

T he cooperation requirements are excused if good cause is established. Good cause includes, but is not limited to when:

55 Pa. Code § 187.27(c)

The child was conceived as a result of incest or rape

Legal proceedings for the adoption of the child are pending before a court

The applicant/recipient is currently being helped by a public or licensed private social agency to decide whether to keep or give up the child for adoption, and the discussions have continued for less than 3 months

Action to establish paternity or get child or spousal support would make it harder for the person or family member to escape domestic violence, or would unfairly penalize the violence victim or increase the risk of further violence.

Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behavior when there is one or more of the following:

Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to result in, physical injury

Sexual abuse

Sexual activity involving a dependent child

Being forced as the caretaker of a dependent child to engage in non-consensual sexual acts or activities

Threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse

Mental abuse

Neglect or depriving of medical care.

An applicant or recipient must give proof of the good cause claim within 30 days from the date the claim is made except when the applicant or recipient states that domestic violence is the reason for the good cause claim.

Use the Domestic Violence Verification Form PA 1747 for good cause requests based on domestic violence.

For a good cause request based on rape, incest, pending adoption, or discussion to consider adoption, complete the Good Cause Determination Based on Factors Other than Domestic Violence for Child Support or Paternity PA/CS 173GC .