However, some have added other exceptions. As under the old federal rules, in cases where there is domestic violence, a child born as the result of rape or incest, or adoption is being considered, the client may be excused from cooperation. In addition, some states have added exceptions for cases where the client has a mental disability, where the child was conceived through artificial insemination, where the client has little knowledge about the absent parent, and where violence is anticipated if child support is pursued. The states all report requiring the client to corroborate her good cause claim. They believe that this requirement is not a substantial barrier to the clients who seek an exemption.
Some states also accept written statements by the client or a friend.
A few local offices will accept oral statements. Client statements are also often allowed. TANF workers report that they provide clients with information about the good cause exception at initial application and at re-certification. These workers also report that they often provide information about good cause to clients who have been referred by the child support agency for sanction due to non-cooperation. However, they generally take no affirmative steps to discover whether the client might have reason to claim a good cause exemption.