June, 2020
The Voluntary Paternity Affidavit program provides information and resources for Iowa hospitals, clinics, community organizations, and families. This program is funded through a partnership between Iowa State University and Iowa's Child Support Recovery Unit.

To learn more visit our website .
Celebrating Fatherhood
Photo credit: Alameda County Father Corps’ Fatherhood Photo Bank. https://www.diversityoffatherhood.com/
June 21 st is Father’s Day, a day to celebrate the men who play an essential role in a child’s life.
Research shows that children benefit significantly from having a father directly involved in parenting. Positive father involvement has been shown to improve emotional, academic, social, and behavioral outcomes for children that can last into adulthood. Even fathers who don’t live with or close to their children can have an impact with consistent, positive emotional involvement.  
Happy Father's Day to the amazing dads who make life better for their kids!
Paternity Affidavit Form
VPA Form Changes
In each newsletter we feature a sample of one section of the current form with tips for completing it accurately. In this issue, we look at the Father information section.
As with all sections, it is important to not leave any field blank. To complete the father's section:

  1. Enter the father’s first, middle and last name. If there is no middle name, check the box in that field.
  2. If the father uses a suffix, enter it in that field. If no suffix is used, you can write "none" or "NA" or leave it blank.
  3. Enter the US state, or foreign country where the father was born.
  4. Enter the father's birth date using month/day/year format.
  5. Enter the father’s social security number. If none, check the box in that field.
  6. If the father is of Hispanic origin, specify which. Otherwise write ‘none’
  7. Enter the father’s race.
  8. Enter the highest grade completed by the father.
  9. Enter the current phone number for the father, including area code.
  10. Enter the father's current street address, including apartment, unit, lot, or PO Box number.
  11. Enter the name of the city or town for the street address given.
  12. Enter the state and zip code for the father’s address.

If you have any questions about completing the form, please contact the VPA Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] .
Resource Spotlight
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing worldwide. They work to bring together families, communities, and professionals to support families through pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and the postpartum period. Their website includes links to professional training, as well as a variety of supports and resources for moms, dads, and families.

Click the link below to explore PSI’s website.
Covid-19 Update
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the state of Iowa issued guidance in March that resulted in some changes in daily operations for the agencies who work together to support the voluntary paternity establishment process in Iowa. Operations for these agencies will continue as noted below.
Bureau of Health Statistics
Paternity Affidavit processing continues to proceed as normal. Please send completed and notarized forms and supporting documents to BHS. The following staff are available to assist you if needed:

Paternity Affidavit
Sonia Hocking  (515) 281-6687
Laura Geist      (515) 281-3266

Birth Registration
Molly Gilliam    (515) 242-6332


Child Support Recovery Unit
Local CSRU office lobbies are closed to the general public, with most employees working remotely. Information about how to reach local offices by email and phone is available at childsupport.ia.gov through the 'Offices' tab.


VPA Outreach Coordinator – Amy Peters
Iowa State University has closed most campus buildings, directed non-essential staff to work from home, and restricted professional travel and outreach activities. The VPA Outreach Coordinator is working remotely, and can best be reached by email at [email protected] .

Requests for in-person training are still welcome, but scheduling will be postponed until guidance from Iowa State University and Governor Reynolds allows for such activities.

If you have a training need that can be met using remote technology, please contact Amy to discuss options.

Orders for materials are being filled. Please click on the link below to place your order.