Written documentation of a family's financial circumstances must be submitted with the initial application. This information is not used to establish eligibility for subsidy, but it does give the agency an idea of the family's ability to meet the special needs of the child. An estimate of the cost of care of the child is also submitted. Most subsidies are set at the maximum available amount. Special services adoption assistance does take family income into consideration.
Children placed through private agencies are ineligible for state-funded subsidy.
Special Services Adoption Assistance is not available to children in the custody of private agencies. They may continue to receive benefits to age 21 if attending college or vocational school on a full-time basis. Medicaid coverage is provided through age 20. 20. A child's adoption assistance agreement may be periodically reviewed by the state. The amount of assistance may change upward or downward at recertification depending on relevant needs and circumstances.