Appendix 13.C – Directive for Genetic Testing RequestsPurpose:
The following is a directive from Dan Wilde, the Department of Family Services Deputy Director, dated July 2, 2008.DIRECTIVE FOR CASES IN WHICH:DFS would like Genetic Testing for Paternity and Child Support Enforcement has a legal father in the caseScenario #1 – Termination of Parental Rights: DFS wants a genetic test to make sure all possible dads are given notice of a Termination of Parental Rights.- Request goes to the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Office handles Termination of Parental Rights cases, and they will know if the genetic test is necessary for proper notice.
- Contact the attorney for DFS at the Attorney General’s office. That attorney will make the determination of whether or not to move forward with the genetic test. This is a legal determination. If the Attorney General’s Office agrees that a genetic test should be done, the Attorney General’s office will contact CSED and have the testing scheduled.
Scenario #2 – Placement of a Child with a Family Member:- Request goes to the DFS state office. It is usually not necessary to have a genetic test for family placement. That is a DFS State Office determination.
- Contact the Protective Services Division (PSD) State Office. If PSD determines a genetic test is necessary for placement, PSD will contact CSED and have the testing scheduled.
Scenario #3 – Client says the legal father is NOT the real father:- Advise the DFS client that they need private legal counsel. A genetic test does not disestablish legal paternity. This is a private legal issue.
- Child Support Enforcement cannot disestablish legal paternity.
Please contact any of the following persons if you have questions or wish further clarification:Senior Assistant Attorney General for DFS, 777-6142;Child Support Enforcement Director, 777-6068.
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