13.C Directive For Genetic Testing Requests
Appendix 13.C – Directive for Genetic Testing Requests
Purpose:
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 case
Scenario #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 Program cannot disestablish legal paternity.