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Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Wisconsin Works (W-2) Manual |
The W-2 agency must refer the following W-2 applicants to the local CSA:
1. Unmarried pregnant women, including minors;
2. Families where the natural or adoptive parent is absent from the home (excluding cases when the absence is because of military service); and
3. Non-marital Co-parent cases (families where the parents either are not married to each other or were not married to each other when the child was born) where paternity has not been established by legitimation, court action, or paternity acknowledgement.
The following table outlines when a referral to CSA for paternity establishment is required:
Relationship type |
Description |
Must be referred to CSA |
| Alleged father | Named by
custodial parent as probable father.
|
Yes |
Claimed father |
Father lives
with the child and claims to be the father, but paternity has
not been established.
|
Yes |
| Acknowledged father, non-conclusive | Voluntary acknowledgement
without an effect of a judgment of paternity (pre May 1, 1998,
in Wisconsin).
|
Yes |
| Acknowledged father, conclusive | Voluntary acknowledgment
with an effect of a judgment of paternity (post May 1, 1998, if
a Wisconsin birth). Typically, the father signed the voluntary
Paternity Acknowledgement Through Hospitals (PATH) form.
|
No |
| Adjudicated father | Paternity established
through a court order.
|
No |
An automated referral is sent via CWW/KIDS when eligibility is confirmed.
W-2 agencies are encouraged to develop collaborative relationships with their local CSAs and contact them for any child support issues affecting the W-2 applicant’s or participant’s family.
History: Release 25-03.