§ 40-5.2-34 - Screening for domestic violence – Waiver of program requirements. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 40-5.2-34

   § 40-5.2-34  Screening for domesticviolence – Waiver of program requirements. – (a) The department shall:

   (1) Screen and identify individuals with a history ofdomestic violence applying for or receiving assistance while maintaining theconfidentiality of such individuals;

   (2) Refer such individuals to counseling and supportiveservices; and

   (3) Waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause and forso long as necessary, cash assistance program requirements relating to timelimits for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, childsupport cooperation requirements, and work requirements, in cases wherecompliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for individualsreceiving assistance under this chapter to escape domestic violence or unfairlypenalize such individuals who are or have been victimized by such violence, orindividuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.

   (b) For purposes of this section, the term "individual with ahistory of domestic violence" means an individual who has been subjected to:

   (1) Physical acts that resulted in, or threatened to resultin, physical injury to the individual;

   (2) Sexual abuse;

   (3) Sexual activity involving a dependent child;

   (4) Being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependentchild to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts or activities;

   (5) Threats of, or attempts at, physical or sexual abuse;

   (6) Mental abuse; or

   (7) Neglect or deprivation of medical care.