DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 29, 2006 DHSS-87-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
OVER 190 COUPLES REQUEST FREE PATERNITY TESTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE
Delaware –Displaying the importance of parents' obligations to support their children, over 190 couples across the state visited Child Support Enforcement headquarters this week to receive the free genetic testing being offered.
"Our highest obligation as parents is to care for our children," said Child Support Enforcement Director Chuck Hayward. "And establishing paternity is one crucial step in providing that care."
Paternity establishment is a procedure to determine the legal father of a child born outside of marriage by either a court order or an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity. The husband is considered to be the legal father if the mother was married when the child was born.
"The couples that came forward this week are shining examples that all children have the right to support from both parents, and that all children deserve to grow up in a healthy, happy environment,” said Hayward."
"Fathers are important. It's that simple. Getting fathers to acknowledge their children legally by getting their name on the birth certificate is critical to the physical, emotional, and financial well being of any child. It can't get more basic than knowing who your parents are," says Charles E. Hayward, Director for the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). Increasing awareness about paternity establishment and getting more Delaware kids to know the identity of their parents is a major focus of Child Support Month 2006.
If the mother and father were not married at the time the child was born, paternity must be proven before the court will enter an order for support. Proof will generally consist of an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity (AKA VAP) , scientific genetic testing, direct testimony of the mother, or other available evidence. If both parents agree to sign an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity, the parents do not have to go to court to establish paternity for their child.
Why is it important to establish paternity?
Both parents and the child have the right to a full parent/child relationship. Everyone deserves an opportunity to develop, enjoy and grow in the relationship. The father has the right to contribute to the success of his child's future. By establishing paternity, the father is providing his child with certain rights and privileges, which may include:
The emotional benefits of knowing who both parents are
- Emotional and financial support from both parents
- Access to family medical records
- Inheritance protections
- Veterans' and Social Security benefits
- Medical and life insurance
- Legal documentation of who his parents are
To learn more about these new efforts please join the Division of Child Support Wednesday September 13th at 11am at 1114 S. DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901 (302) 739-4578.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
