Good Cause - Appendix I

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Good Cause - Appendix I

Revised October 28, 2007

CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCE

The social worker can propose approval of the client’s GC claim if the available evidence indicates that cooperation with DCS would be against the best interests of the client and/or child. In assessing the evidence and thinking about critical safety factors, keep the following in mind:

· Although documents like civil and criminal court orders (domestic violence protection orders, restraining orders, no-contact orders) or medical, police, or court reports can be the clearest evidence for granting good cause, there are many reasons why a victim of family violence would not be in possession of any of these. For example, if s/he has fled and left these papers behind, or if seeking copies of these documents would alert a perpetrator to her/his whereabouts, it would not be wise to require a victim to produce these papers. On the other hand, many victims, for a variety of good reasons, have never sought help from systems like the police, courts or medical facilities.

· Victims have many other ways to substantiate their claims, including written statements from clergy, friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers, or a signed statement from the victims themselves outlining their concerns and fears.

There is no formal or definitive list of documents that can serve as evidence to corroborate a client’s claim of good cause. Brainstorm with your client to see if there are any documents that are available to support the claim.

Good Cause - Appendix I
Revised October 28, 2007

CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCE The social worker can propose approval of the client’s GC claim if the available evidence indicates that cooperation with DCS would be against the best interests of the client and/or child. In assessing the evidence and thinking about critical safety factors, keep the following in mind: · Although documents like civil and criminal court orders (domestic violence protection orders, restraining orders, no-contact orders) or medical, police, or court reports can be the clearest evidence for granting good cause, there are many reasons why a victim of family violence would not be in possession of any of these. For example, if s/he has fled and left these papers behind, or if seeking copies of these documents would alert a perpetrator to her/his whereabouts, it would not be wise to require a victim to produce these papers. On the other hand, many victims, for a variety of good reasons, have never sought help from systems like the police, courts or medical facilities. · Victims have many other ways to substantiate their claims, including written statements from clergy, friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers, or a signed statement from the victims themselves outlining their concerns and fears. There is no formal or definitive list of documents that can serve as evidence to corroborate a client’s claim of good cause. Brainstorm with your client to see if there are any documents that are available to support the claim.

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