ADvise members on the way forward

[SingleDad2usc 71]

Mozzle: Capri, who is usually excellent with his advice, seems off about current VAWA timelines. It may depend on VAWA unit, but Vermont Service Center has been issuing PF (Prima Facie) literally as soon as they received proper packet from you. You may have PF in hand within two weeks, and you must then go to your zipcode HRA office instantly.

This is not to say that you shouldn't go Already, before you ever send out VAWA packet. HRA worker still must fill out all yours and your children's info, and enter it into the system. DON'T LEAVE HRA (PA) office empty handed!! You absolutely must procure proof in writing of the EXACT DATE that you'd applied for PA, food stamps and Medicaid for all dependent members of your family. If you leave their offices upon verbal denial, without any paper trail from them - you shoot yourself in the foot (you can't prove your case in Fair Hearing afterwards, and be awarded assistance retroactively).

Also, you must insist and see DVL (Domestic Violence Liason). HRA must have at least one DVL in your town. DVL is empowered to approve your benefits for up to 6 months without PF!!

As to sending out proper VAWA packet: I 100% recommend doing it thru pro bono immigration lawyer. If you try doing it yourself, you're almost guaranteed to receive RFE (so you'll be dead in the water, like you never applied). Yours is not a simple VAWA packet

[mozzle2000 0]

Thank u. What is HRA can pliz give me the website address am leaving in Kansas Shawnee county

[SingleDad2usc 71]

Oops, I'm not sure everything I said would be that easy in case of really small town...

HRA (Human Resource Administration) is the same as PA (Public Assistance). Go right away, and insist to be processed as DV victim.

But you're unlikely to find a pro-bono immigration attorney near you. No idea how you'll manage to put together VAWA packet. Join Vawa5 thread, and be very nice and clear in your posts there - maybe you'll get help. Good luck!

[SingleDad2usc 71]

Mozzle please: I'll reply here, as your predicament is not uncommon, and many others may benefit from information. I could put together your packet, but I will not - only because I find anything bureaucratic personally nauseating. I went thru this once, and I don't intend to ever touch this again.

1. Be polite and persistent at Social Services. Don't take "no" for an answer, never accept any verbal determination. Always come with all of your papers, and never leave without time stamped paper FROM THEM.

2. Never forget that you're DV victim, and that you're caregiver to children: no such thing in the US as you being turned away. No Kenya here. Co-operate 100% with Child Protective Services, and they'll have to help you. If they don't, a Judge will make them. In my case, Judge threatened Child Protective Services to fine them $1000/day if they didn't stop dragging their feet. They have certain budget to help families, and they can help you with referrals to all appropriate branches of government

[mozzle2000 0]

Thank u soo much iam going to go back to food stamps office and atleast request everything be put in writting coz they told i have to rely on shelter facilities.

Secondly on affidavit i was requesting for a format and edit/put things together which are relevant to me. My shelter cant provide me will a phscyologist what can i do? Will the deny coz i have not been evaluated?

[SingleDad2usc 71]

U r far from denial, because u r far from applying. One must put together all documents necessary for VAWA unit to issue PF. That's documents in about 5 categories. Join VAWA part 5, and be very patient and clear

At Social Services, insist to be processed as DV victim. Also, agree with Child Protective Services to attend any parental classes, etc. They have Preventive Services that can help you with children. Insist that you're sole caregiver, and you need referrals to all branches that can help your family