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Upon receiving a referral from a Public Assistance (PA) or other state agency or upon the completion of an application for services by a Non-Public Assistance (NPA) client, CSE caseworkers must determine if they have sufficient information to begin actions for the case. If caseworkers have sufficient information, it is not necessary to interview the client before proceeding with case activities.
This topic contains information on the following subjects:
1. Obtaining additional Intake information;
2. Scheduling an Intake interview;
If additional information is needed after a referral or a Non-TANF application is received, caseworkers should attempt to obtain this information over the telephone or through written communication (whenever possible) to use their time and resources efficiently. Caseworkers should enter any obtained information into ACTS immediately.
If sufficient information cannot be obtained by phone or written communication to proceed in a timely manner with the CSE case, an intake interview must be scheduled if the client is in North Carolina.
When an intake interview is necessary, it should be conducted as thoroughly as possible in order to obtain all pertinent information on the case. As information is obtained from the client during the interview, CSE caseworkers should enter it directly into ACTS. During the interview, caseworkers should accomplish the following:
1. Assure that all information on the referral or application is correct and current.
2. Obtain additional information about the client and NCP (such as the NCP’s Social Security number, date of birth, medical insurance coverage information, etc.) This information should also include the name, address, and telephone number of a relative who can be reached in the event of an emergency.
3. Explain to the client the purpose of and services offered by the CSE program (including the availability of medical support services and the steps that will probably be taken to obtain support) and provide the client with the standard brochures.
4. Obtain the Non-Public Assistance client's signature on the application along with the application fee.
5. Explain the mandatory $25.00 annual fee for CSE services to "never assistance" clients, including the criteria for assessment and recovery of this fee.
6. Explain both the direct deposit and "ncKIDScard" (debit card) payment options to the client. The preferred method of payment is direct deposit, which eliminates the possibility of lost or stolen checks and usually shortens the time for clients to receive payments. If the client previously had a child support case and still has an active direct deposit account in ACTS, caseworkers should verify with the client whether that direct deposit account is still the client’s active bank account. If the client chooses direct deposit, caseworkers generate the the Authorization For Automatic Deposit Of Child Support (DSS-4718) document for the client to complete. Caseworkers should remind the client to report any changes to his/her account information after enrolling in direct deposit. If the client does not choose direct deposit, caseworkers explain to the client that he/she will be enrolled in the "ncKIDScard" (debit card) program and they advise the client that he/she needs to activate the ncKIDScard upon receiving it by calling The Bancorp Bank Customer Service at 1-877-776-9759.
7. Explain tax intercept, income withholding, and distribution procedures.
8. Explain that both parties in the action have the right to request a review of a support obligation.
9. Request the Social Security numbers of all parties in the case and inform the client that he/she must disclose SSN information in order to receive full CSE services. Caseworkers also inform the client about how these Social Security numbers could be used. The Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579) requires the agency that requests disclosure to inform the individual whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary and how the SSN will be used.
10. Explain the procedures for establishing paternity for children born out of wedlock. If paternity needs to be established, caseworkers explain that a considerable amount of information is needed in order to establish paternity legally. Also they explain the benefits of establishing paternity for the child. If the mother is unsure about who the father is, caseworkers stress that she should identify every possible father, rather than naming only one man. Caseworkers explain that paternity tests can be used to determine paternity with a high level of confidence. Caseworkers should find out if an Affidavit Of Parentage was signed at the hospital. After the mother has identified the father (or potential fathers), her signature is obtained on the mother's Affirmation Of Paternity (DSS-4626).
11. Emphasize to the client the importance of making the local CSE agency aware of all address changes throughout the history of the case, although this does not fulfill the obligation of advising the other appropriate social service agencies of this information.
12. Explain the procedure for filing an administrative review complaint when the client feels there is evidence that an action should have been taken on the case but was not. For additional information, refer to the “Administrative Review Policy” in the CSE Program Basics chapter.
13. Document that CSE provided essential information to the client and NCP (if present at the interview) and that the client signed the application for services.
Prior to any discussion with a minor client, CSE must advise that minor of the right to have an adult present. It is strongly recommended that any discussion with a minor be conducted in the presence of a parent, legal guardian, or other adult who is responsible for or has an interest in the welfare of the minor. If the minor elects not to have an adult present, CSE must have the minor parent sign the Minor Parent/Adult Representative Statement (DSS-4540) BEFORE continuing with the interview. If an adult is present, CSE must have that person sign the DSS-4540 document. Retain the completed form in the case file.
The Non-TANF application is considered a contract for child support services. Since a contract made by a minor can be disavowed during his/ her minority or within three (3) years after his/her reaching the age of majority, it is strongly recommended that a minor child applying for services be accompanied by a custodial parent, guardian, or an adult interested in the welfare of the minor client. Both the adult and the minor client should sign and date the application. However, an application for services must be accepted even if the minor is not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult.
Caseworkers must enter a disposition for an intake interview appointment so that their activities are recorded as events in the case record.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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