WAG 24-03-02: Paternity Interview

PM 24-03-02

The paternity questions are of a highly personal and sensitive nature. The answers to these question must be held in the strictest of confidence.

1. (FCRC) Complete a paternity interview for each case that has a nonmarital child and paternity has not been established. The paternity interview is done based upon information from the client in response to the paternity questions.

   Complete the paternity interview even if the client says the alleged father is deceased or lives in the home. 

2. (FCRC) Complete a KIDS clearance before beginning the interview if one has not been done. Once the interview begins, do not exit the screens to complete a KIDS clearance.
3. (FCRC) Give the client Child Support Enforcement Program (Form 1759) and Valid Reason For Noncooperation With The Child Support Enforcement Program (Form 3017).
   1. At intake also give Instructions To Applicant (Form 267D).
   2. At Service Coordination send Form 267D and Instruction To Recipient (Form 1721) to schedule the face-to-face interview within 10 days of notice.
4. (FCRC) Explain the rights and responsibilities of the client to cooperate in CSE activities. Tell them the benefits unit will be sanctioned if they do not cooperate without good cause.
5. (FCRC) Obtain paternity information from the client as part of the interview. Enter the paternity information given by the client into AIS beginning with screen 3D or onto Paternity Establishment Information (Form 3646) at Service Coordination.
6. (FCRC) If the client cannot come to the Family Community Resource Center for an interview, conduct a telephone interview. Complete Form 3646 with information given by the client. Tell the client they must sign Form 3619/3619CF. Send the form and Form 1721 requiring she sign and return the form within 10 days. If the client tells you she will not sign the form cancel the TANF cash benefits. If the client does not return the form within 10 days, sanction the benefit unit. Also ask the client to sign Form 3416B and Form 3626.
7. (FCRC) For Medical only applications where the client does not come to the Family Community Resource Center for an interview, conduct a telephone interview, if possible. Complete Form 3646 with information given by the client. Tell the client they must sign Form 3619/3619CF. Send the form and Form 1721 requiring she sign and return the form within 10 days. If the applicant tells you she will not sign the form deny Medical benefits for the applicant only unless she is pregnant. If the applicant does not return the form within 10 days, deny Medical benefits for the applicant only. Also ask the client to sign Form 3416B and Form 3626.

   If you are unable to contact the applicant by phone, send the paternity packet to the applicant with Form 1721. 

8. (FCRC) Give the client forms used in the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, voluntary denial of paternity, and withdrawal of the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, as requested.
9. (FCRC) Tell the client all forms used in the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity process are obtained at:
   • DHS offices;
   • DCSE regional offices;
   • state and local registrars;
   • county clerks offices;
   • birthing institutions (hospitals); or
   • by calling the Child Support Help Line:

     toll-free at 1-800-447-4278, or
     for those who use a teletypewriter (TTY)
     1-800-526-5812.