15.6.2  Good Cause Reasons

Custodial parents and noncustodial parents (NCPs) are eligible for a good cause exemption from the cooperation requirements when the W-2Wisconsin Works agency determines that at least one of the following criteria applies:

1.             Cooperation is reasonably anticipated to result in either physical or emotional harm to the child, including threats of domestic abuse or child kidnapping;

2.             Cooperation is reasonably anticipated to result in either physical or emotional harm to the parent, including domestic abuse;

3.             Cooperation with the CSAChild Support Agency would make it more difficult for the individual to escape domestic abuse or unfairly penalize the individual who is or has been victimized by such abuse, or is at risk of further domestic abuse;

4.             The child was conceived as a result of incest or sexual assault;

5.             The parent is considering whether to terminate parental rights and sought the assistance of a public or licensed private social services agency not more than three months ago; or

6.             A petition for the adoption of the child has been filed with a court.*

*Note: this reason does not result in any exemption from the parent’s responsibility to make payments under an existing court order.

History: Release 25-03.