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Vermont Department for Children and Families Reach Up Eligibility Rules Economic Services Division 2200 46

c. Areas in which the parent's/caretaker's cooperation is required include:

1. Identifying and locating the noncustodial parent of the child in the custody of the parent/caretaker;

2. Establishing the parentage of any child in the custody of the parent/caretaker;

3. Obtaining child support payments for the child in the custody of the parent/caretaker; 4. Obtaining any other payments or property owed to the parent/caretaker or the child;

5. Appearing at times and places as requested to provide information or be a witness at a judicial hearing; and

6. Paying to OCS any child support payments received after an assignment of support has been made.

d. The Department shall notify OCS of all noncustodial parents of the parent’s/caretaker’s children in their custody unless a request for a waiver from the requirement to cooperate is pending.

1. The Department must notify the parent/caretaker of the right to request a waiver based on good cause (rule 2232.3) as an exception to the cooperation requirement. e. Information provided to OCS is subject to verification with the parent/caretaker.

2232.3 Good Cause for Refusal to Cooperate (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. The Department shall excuse a parent/caretaker from cooperating with OCS when there is good cause for noncooperation.

b. Good cause exists when the Department determines that cooperation is not in the best interest of the child because it may result in any one of the following:

1. Physical or emotional harm to the child;

2. Physical or emotional harm to the parent/caretaker; o r

3. At least one of the following circumstances exists:

i. The child was conceived as a result of incest or rape;

ii. Legal proceedings for the adoption of the child are pending; or

iii. The parent/caretaker is determining an adoption plan.

2232.4 Request for a Child Support Waiver (08/01/2024, 23-28)

a. A parent/caretaker requesting a child support waiver must provide sufficient information to allow the Department to determine if good cause exists.