15.2.1  Referral to the CSA

The W-2Wisconsin Works agency must refer the following W-2 applicants to the local CSAChild Support Agency:

1.             Unmarried pregnant women, including minors;

2.             Families where the natural or adoptive parent is absent from the home (but not cases when the absence is because of military service); and

3.             Non-marital Co-parent With respect to an individual and a dependent child, a parent who is not married to the child’s other parent and is either an adjudicated parent or a parent who has signed and filed with the state registrar under s.69.15(3)(b)3, Stats., a statement acknowledging paternity cases (families where the parents either are not married to each other or were not married to each other when the child was born), and where paternity has not been established by legitimation, court action or paternity acknowledgement.  Fathers with children needing paternity establishment are:

·        Acknowledged father, non-conclusive: voluntary acknowledgement without an effect of a judgment of paternity (pre May 1, 1998 in Wisconsin);

·        Alleged father: named by custodial parent as probable father; or

·        Claimed father: father lives with the child, claims to be the father but paternity has not been established.

Households with fathers in the home with children for whom paternity has been established should not be referred to the CSA.  This would include:

1.             Acknowledged fathers, 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); or

2.             Adjudicated fathers: paternity established through a court order.

An automated referral is sent via CARES screen APGI when W-2 eligibility is confirmed.

W-2 agencies are encouraged to establish a collaborative working relationship with CSAs.  Each W-2 agency is encouraged to contact its local CSA regarding any child support issues affecting the W-2 applicant’s or participant’s family.

History: There are no previous versions of this policy.