(a)  The department shall:

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

(2)  Refer these individuals to counseling and supportive services; and

(3)  Waive, pursuant to a determination of good cause and for so long as necessary, cash assistance program requirements relating to time limits for individuals receiving assistance, residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and work requirements, in cases where compliance with these requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance under this chapter to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize individuals who are or have been victimized by domestic violence, or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 40-5.2-34

  • Assistance: means cash and any other benefits provided pursuant to this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 40-5.2-8
  • Department: means the department of human services. See Rhode Island General Laws 40-5.2-8
  • Dependent: A person dependent for support upon another.
  • Dependent child: means an individual, other than an individual with respect to whom foster care maintenance payments are made, who is: (i) Under the age of eighteen (18); or (ii) Under the age of nineteen (19) and a full-time student in a secondary school (or in the equivalent level of vocational or educational training). See Rhode Island General Laws 40-5.2-8
  • Relative: means a parent, stepparent, grandparent, great grandparent, great-great grandparent, aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt, uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle, sister, brother, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, first cousin, first cousin once removed, niece, great-niece, great-great niece, nephew, great-nephew, or great-great nephew. See Rhode Island General Laws 40-5.2-8

(b)  For purposes of this section, the term “individual with a history of domestic violence” means an individual who has been subjected to:

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

(2)  Sexual abuse;

(3)  Sexual activity involving a dependent child;

(4)  Being forced as the caretaker relative of a dependent child 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.

History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 16, § 1.