February, 2021
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.
Program Highlights
While the past year has presented unique challenges for all of us, your efforts to engage and educate parents and families have continued. We want to hear about it! 

Is there an education, outreach, or community engagement project you’re offering, or planning to launch? How have you adapted to Covid related changes? We invite you to send us a note describing your activities or programs. We will highlight projects from across the state in future VPA newsletters to spread the word about your great work. 

Please click the button below to contact us with details about your program.  
Paternity Affidavit
Disestablishing Paternity
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 what is needed if the mother was legally married to someone other than the father of the child who is listed on the paternity affidavit.  
If the mother was married at the time of conception, birth, or anytime between, additional documentation must be submitted with the affidavit form.

If the mother is divorced from the person she was married to, and a divorce decree disestablished him as the legal father:
  • A copy of the divorce decree that includes language that disestablishes him as the legal father.
  • An order of removal is needed if the ex-husband is already listed on the birth certificate.

If the husband is not the father, but the couple is not divorced:
  • A court order disestablishing paternity is needed for the husband.
  • An order of removal is needed if the husband is already listed on the birth certificate.

If you have questions, please contact Sonia Hocking at 515-281-6687.
Resource Spotlight
CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early."
The CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program provides free information about early childhood development for families, early childhood educators, and healthcare professionals.

Families can download the "Milestone Tracker" app that helps them learn about and track developmental milestones for their children up to age 5.

Resources for professionals include free print materials, videos, and tools for training parents and early care providers.

All of the resources are available in both English and Spanish. To learn more, click the button below to visit the website.
Covid-19: Agency Operations Information
Operations for these agencies continue as noted below.
Bureau of Health Statistics
Paternity Affidavit and Birth Registration 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 continues to restrict professional travel and outreach activities. The VPA Outreach Coordinator is working remotely, and can best be reached by email at [email protected].

Materials orders are being filled. Please click on the link below to complete the order form.