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First, identify the type of safety concern you have. For example, you might be concerned that the other parent will find out where you live or that the child support agency will take an enforcement action that will lead the other parent to do something harmful to you or your children. In other cases, you might fear that just opening a child support case alone may put your safety at risk.

Once you identify your safety concerns, communicate them to the child support professional you are working with. The earlier you let the child support professional know, the better. However, you can communicate your concerns to the child support professional at any point in the case. the child support professional can help flag your case for family violence and explore what measures can be taken to promote your safety.

At your request, child support agencies may be able to assist in the following ways:

• Keep your address and other contact information confidential (Family Violence Indicator) so that it is not shared with the other parent
• Arrange for you to provide testimony via phone or video instead of through an in-person appearance in court
• Assist in finding escorts to and from in person court hearings
• Ensure that you and the other parent are scheduled at separate times for any in-office meetings or DNA testing appointments to establish parentage
• Notify you about how and when the other parent will be contacted when you open a case
• Set Up multi-factor identification protections for online portals/applications
• Connect you to local domestic violence resource centers and advocates
• Provide additional precautions that you can take before, during, or after court hearings, such as arranging separate entrances and exits and different arrival and departure times for you and the other parent; having an advocate, friend, or family member with you at court; and letting court security and the bailiff know about safety concerns

A note on address confidentiality:

The child support agency can keep your address confidential within the child support process. If you need address confidentiality outside of the child support process, the child support professional that you are working with may be able to help connect you with the state administered Address Confidentiality Program where you live, which provides participants with a legal substitute address and mail forwarding service to shield their actual physical address from public records, including voting records.

If you are pursuing medical support as part of your child support case, ask the child support professional if they can use a substitute address when sending enrollment orders to employers. In some cases, even if the insurance company does not share your address, they may send statements to the other parent, which could include dates, types of treatment received, and medical provider addresses.

Information you provide to the child support agency may be confidential. However, it’s important to consult your child support professional to understand what information is private or public depending on the specific laws and regulations in your state.

It’s important to know that court documents are public records, so your address can be printed on publicly available court documents unless your case is flagged under a Family Violence Indicator. If you are concerned about your information being released, ask your child support professional about filling out an Affidavit of Nondisclosure. The Affidavit of Nondisclosure requests that the court keep your address confidential and is the first step in a receiving a nondisclosure finding from the court.

In most jurisdictions, you don’t need a protection order for domestic violence safety measures to be applied to your case. However, policies vary by jurisdiction, so some agencies may require third-party documentation (e.g., protection orders, police or medical records, or a statement from a domestic violence organization). If you have a protection order or any other documentation, it’s recommended that you ensure a copy of the document is in your child support file and remind agency workers whenever you interact with them.

Some federal and state laws require that custodial parents who receive benefits “cooperate” with the child support program in establishing and enforcing a child support order. Nationally, cooperation is required if you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid. Depending on the state you live in, cooperation may be required if you receive food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or childcare through the Child Care Subsidy Program. People are usually required to cooperate or will face financial penalties if they do not. However, you can request an exemption from cooperating (called “good cause”) if you have experienced violence or fear violence from the other parent.

Good cause means that you have a good reason to not open a child support case. If receiving child support services can put you or your children in harm’s way, you can request good cause. If you are granted good cause, then you can still receive public benefits without having to pursue child support.

The criteria and process for establishing good cause can vary by state and county. It’s important that you consult your caseworker or a DV advocate to understand specific steps of applying for good cause. When you talk with your caseworker, communicate your concerns and show them any available documentation such as protective orders, police documents, or medical records. If you are working with a domestic violence agency or seeking therapy, consider talking with those professionals to request supporting documentation, such as a letter of support or attestation that you have experienced domestic violence.

Learn more about the child support system and find information that is specific to your state or jurisdiction in the following resources.

• Getting Child Support When the Co-parent is Abusive is a resource for survivors from BWJP on how to get child support when the co-parent is abusive.
• Contact Information for State and Tribal Child Support Agencies (Office of Child Support Services) includes an interactive map for finding your local child support agency to apply for child support or get help with your case.
• How Does Child Support Work? (Office of Child Support Services) explains how child support works and the general process for establishing and enforcing a child support order.
• Child Support: When You’re Afraid of the Other Parent (The Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody) includes general information on options available for survivors who are or are not interested in pursuing child support, along with questions that you can ask child support agencies to ensure safety measures are in place.
• State-specific Legal Information (National Network to End Domestic Violence) provides clear, straightforward descriptions of state laws to know as you navigate the child support system.
• Family Law Videos (National Network to End Domestic Violence) discuss multiple family law topics, including custody, visitation, and child support; divorce; preparing for court; and protection orders—in both English and Spanish.

If you are experiencing abuse by a partner, these resources can provide support and assistance:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) has trained advocates available 24/7 who can provide confidential support including information, safety planning, and connections to resources in over 200 languages. These services are offered to anyone experiencing violence, questioning their relationship, or concerned about a loved one. The Hotline website also contains a directory of local domestic violence services and resources and an interactive tool for creating an individualized safety plan.

• Call: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
• TTY: 1.800.787.3224
• Text: “START” to 88788
• Chat live on the website

StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally appropriate support and advocacy to Native Americans and Alaska Natives through a 24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous helpline. They offer Native-centered services such as crisis intervention, safety planning, and support finding local health facilities.

• Call: 1.844.7NATIVE (762.8483)
• Text: 1.844.7NATIVE (762.8483)
• Chat live on the website

The Deaf Hotline has culturally adept and trained advocates available 24/7 who can provide safety planning, crisis intervention, and emotional support in American Sign Language. They offer information and resources on safety planning, crisis intervention, and getting help.

• Call: 206.812.1001
• Connect via the website

StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally appropriate support and advocacy to Native Americans and Alaska Natives through a 24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous helpline. They offer Native-centered services such as crisis intervention, safety planning, and support finding local health facilities.

• Call: 1.844.7NATIVE (762.8483)
• Text: 1.844.7NATIVE (762.8483)
• Chat live on the website

The Deaf Hotline has culturally adept and trained advocates available 24/7 who can provide safety planning, crisis intervention, and emotional support in American Sign Language. They offer information and resources on safety planning, crisis intervention, and getting help.

• Call: 206.812.1001
• Connect via the website