Removes the requirement that families consent to, and cooperate with the department of human services in establishing paternity and enforcing child and medical support orders as a condition of eligibility for child care assistance.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Child Care Assistance Eligibility Requirements

This bill would change the rules for families applying for child care assistance in Rhode Island. Currently, to qualify for child care help through the Rhode Island Works Program, families must agree to cooperate with the Department of Human Services in identifying a child's father (establishing paternity) and pursuing child support or medical support payments from that parent. This bill would remove those requirements, meaning families could receive child care assistance without having to participate in those legal processes.

The bill primarily affects low-income families with children who need financial help paying for child care. Under current law, if a parent — typically a single mother — refuses or is unable to cooperate with paternity establishment or child support enforcement, the family can be denied child care benefits. Under this proposed change, a family's eligibility for child care assistance would no longer be connected to those legal matters at all.

Supporters of changes like this often argue that the cooperation requirement can place families in difficult or even unsafe situations, such as when a parent has experienced domestic violence and revealing a father's identity could put them at risk. Opponents sometimes argue that requiring cooperation helps ensure that all responsible parents contribute financially to their children's care. This bill was recently introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.