If a woman's claim of good cause is denied, she must be able to withdraw her application for TANF benefits, rather than have the child support action proceed. 15 States must develop an appeal process for denial of good cause. Women who claim good cause should continue to receive full benefits until the appeal is concluded. TANF and child support agencies can help create environments in which such sensitive discussions can take place. States must protect the confidential information women report to the state child support agency, including their whereabouts, where disclosure of such information may result in physical or emotional harm.
Women claiming good cause reveal highly personal information.
Often women who have been victimized feel ashamed. Many are afraid because they have been threatened with injury if they reveal the abuse. Any other policy will jeopardize the chance of women reporting abuse. Women should be notified about the state's policy on confidentiality and its limits, if any. For example, states with mandatory reporting laws should warn women that the information they provide may be used to provide information to the state's child welfare agency if child abuse is disclosed.