IM-85 May 29, 2019; IM-104 December 20, 2012; IM-44 July 11, 2011
- Identifying Non-custodial Parents: The applicant or Temporary Assistance (TA) participant is responsible for providing all information available concerning identification of the non-custodial parent of the child for whom benefits have been requested. If the non-custodial parent’s identity is unknown, the applicant or TA participant is responsible for providing all possible sources of information to be used in identifying the parent.
If the applicant or TA participant states that the non-custodial parent is unknown, explore the circumstances surrounding the claim thoroughly, and record a comment in FAMIS about the applicant or TA participant’s explanation. Ask him/her to submit all information available to verify the claim. Acceptable methods of verification include:
- If rape is claimed, request a police report of the incident.
- If the applicant or TA participant claims to have met the non-custodial parent one time, ask him/her to provide names of other individuals who may know the non-custodial parent.
If more than one alleged father exists for a child, or if responsibility for child support is unclear, refer each alleged parent of that child to the Family Support Division – Child Support (FSD-CS). A Referral/Information for Child Support Services (CS-201) needs to be completed for each alleged parent. In cases where someone other than the legal father is alleged to be the biological father, complete a CS-201 for the legal father and one for the alleged biological father.
If the form is not returned or is returned incomplete, FSD staff must fill out and submit the CS-201 with at least:
- the name of the custodial parent
- the name and information for any dependent child
- the name of the non-custodial/alleged parent of “unknown” if this information is not known
Forms should be scanned and emailed to FSD.IntakeCenter@dss.mo.gov. If necessary, FSD staff can mail a completed CS-201 form to: Family Support Division, PO Box 6790, Jefferson City, MO 65102-6790. At the discretion of the IM FSD office, completed CS-201 forms can also be faxed (573-635-7545). Refer the applicant or TA participant to a local FSD-CS office if further assistance by FSD-CS is required. The appropriate FSD-CS office can be located on the Department of Social Services internet home page. DO NOT fax CS-201 referrals to State Office.
In adoption cases eligibility is determined based on the adopting parent. Complete a CS-201 for the adopting parent.
In all cases explain to the applicant or TA participant the importance of cooperating with the identification of the non-custodial parent. A refusal to do this may result in a determination of failure to cooperate and result in a sanction if the applicant or TA participant fails to claim good cause.
The earlier paternity and/or support are established the sooner the child may:
- have a relationship with the non-custodial parent
- have access to child support
- have access to the non-custodial parent’s medical benefits
- obtain information on the non-custodial parent’s medical history
- receive other benefits resulting from paternity establishment
- Locating Non-custodial Parents: The applicant or TA participant is responsible for furnishing information to help locate the non-custodial parent. If the location is unknown, the applicant or TA participant will be asked to provide information that may lead to possible sources for obtaining this information. Assist the applicant or TA participant in any way possible to complete the necessary information on the CS-201. The applicant or TA participant’s failure to participate in locating the non-custodial parent without good cause may result in a determination of refusal to cooperate and the application of a sanction.
- Other Areas of Cooperation: The applicant or TA participant may be asked to take a more active role in identifying and locating the non-custodial parent. This may include:
- establishing the paternity of a child born out of wedlock when cash assistance is requested
- helping to obtain support payments, medical support, or any other payments or property due the applicant or TA participant on behalf of the child
- going to the FSD-CS office to provide verbal or written information about the non-custodial parent
- appearing as a witness at court or other hearings or proceedings
- providing the FSD-CS with any support payments covered by an assignment to the FSD-CS and received from the non-custodial parent