The bill amends Section 40-5.2-20 of the Rhode Island Works Program to remove 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 childcare assistance. Instead, it allows the parent or caretaker relative of any family applying for childcare assistance to voluntarily access the state's office of child support services for assistance in establishing parentage and support orders, but this will not be a requirement to qualify for or access childcare assistance. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5197: 40-5.2-20