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National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 25, 1996 DC-96-56

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

Dear Colleague:

On October 3, 1996, President Clinton issued a proclamation declaring October National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and encouraging all States to adopt the family anti-violence provisions contained in section 402(a)(7) of title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193).

The President also urged the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice (DOJ) to work together to develop guidance for States to assist them in implementing the new provisions. The President specified that in crafting this guidance, HHS and DOJ should work with States, domestic violence experts, victims' services programs, law enforcement, medical professionals, and others involved in fighting domestic violence, and recommend standards and procedures that will help make transitional assistance programs fully responsive to the needs of battered women. The proclamation directed the Secretary of HHS to provide States with technical assistance as they work to implement the family anti-violence provisions. Secretary Shalala and the Attorney General are to report to the President in 90 days from the date of the issuance of the proclamation on the specific progress that has been made in fulfilling its directives.

The family anti-violence language of the new law, also called the Wellstone/Murray provisions, allows States the option to certify whether they have established and are enforcing standards and procedures to screen and identify individuals receiving assistance under the TANF program with a history of domestic violence. States must maintain the confidentiality of individuals, refer them to counseling and supportive services, and waive, subject to a finding of good cause, other program requirements such as child support cooperation requirements and family cap limits in cases where compliance would make it more difficult for individuals to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize persons who are, or who have been, victimized by such violence, or who are at risk of further violence.

Representatives of the Administration for Children and Families and OCSE are working to implement the President's proclamation. Last week we held a focus group meeting with representatives of the domestic violence community to exchange information and explore how we can work together to implement the President's directives. OCSE is incorporating sessions on domestic violence and welfare reform at each of the upcoming national conferences. We willcontinue to discuss these complex issues and implement the President's proclamation. If you have questions please contact Susan Notar at (202) 401-4606.

Thank you for your work on behalf of the nation's children.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross

Deputy Director

Office of Child Support

Enforcement

cc: RO Program Managers I-X

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