June 6 2015 All Gods Children Inc TFC What does it mean to adopt a child The decision to adopt a child is a big responsibility that takes time and preparation It is a LEGAL change of custody responsibility and familystatus that is FOREVER ID: 734335
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Slide1
A Foster Parent’s Guide to Adoption
June 6, 2015
All God’s Children, Inc. TFCSlide2
What does it mean to adopt a child?
The decision to adopt a child is a big responsibility that takes time and preparation
It is a LEGAL change of custody, responsibility and family-status that is FOREVER
Important to consider: ability of your family to provide
long-term
and
consistent
love, nurturance & stability as well as knowing your existing network of support
Most
f
oster parents, if actively fostering long enough, will be in a position in which a child in his/her care becomes “adoptable.”Slide3
The Process…
Steps from Goal Change
Forever Home
Goal Change
: Court must legally change a child’s permanency goal from
R
eturn to Parent to ADOPTION (Adoption and Safe Families Act, 1997)
Waive
R
easonable Efforts
:
court rules that Cabinet has made every reasonable effort to reunite child with biological parents
Termination of Parental Rights
(TPR): Court rules that a biological parent no longer has any legal rights or responsibilities for child(
ren
).
P
arents can voluntarily sign over parental rights
Adoption:
The
legal custodian
is then
changed from Cabinet to adoptive parents, child’s name is legally changed to that of the adoptive parentsSlide4
The Adoption Process
continued…
After TPR but before Adoption the existing “case” for a child is closed, documents are compiled in a
Presentation Summary
and a new
Adoption case
is open in foster parent’s home county.
A Recruitment and Certification (R&C) worker is assigned to the case and works on behalf of the adoptive family
The R&C worker assists adoptive parents with paperwork and assistance negotiations for subsidy
The R&C worker handles the official adoptionSlide5
Adoption Assistance Agreement (DPP-1258)
Specifies the amount of adoption assistance (i.e. monthly subsidy and extraordinary medical expenses if applicable)
Signed by adoptive parent(s) and a representative of the Cabinet
Must be approved completed and approved before adoption is finalized
Renewed every 2 years
Adoption assistance can be renegotiated at any time if there is a change in the child’s “special needs.”Slide6
Adopting a child who is considered to be a “special needs” child
Special Needs Criteria:
If you are adopting 2 or more in a sibling group adoption subsidy can be based on this alone.
If an infant was exposed to drugs.
Including any recent diagnosis that have been made in therapy, DSM IV documentation as well as a current presentation summary is recommended when considering whether the child is “special need”.Slide7
Funding Source Determination
Under Title IV-E adoption assistance,
federal funds
may apply to a child IF:
The child meets requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) AT the time the adoption petition is filed.
AND the child is determined, by the State, to be a child with special needs prior to the finalization of the adoption.
STATE FUNDS
:
Monthly subsidy and extraordinary expenses related to a child’s special needs are ONLY available by special needs children placed by the cabinet.Slide8
Types of Adoption Assistance
Monthly subsidy
- a set monthly payment to assist the adoptive family in meeting the “special needs” of the child. Unlike foster parents, adoptive parents are expected to assume the routine financial costs of parenting.
Extraordinary Medical Expenses
- only available for children who were placed in adoption by the Cabinet. These expenses are only related to the child’s “special needs” that existed PRIOR to adoption, not reimbursable by private insurance, medical card or any other resources. A co-pay made be required based on the family’s income.
Non-recurring Expenses
- A one-time reimbursement to offset the expenses of adopting a “special needs” child. Slide9
Fostering and Adoption Licensing Requirements
Individual must be at least 21 years of age.
The interested individual can be single or married.
Must have a stable income, separate from any financial support offered to foster or adoptive parents for the child’s needs, that is sufficient to meet the needs of the whole family; Do not rely on the child’s reimbursement or financial assistance when determining if you have a sufficient income.
Family must have as safe, secure and healthy home that meets safety and space requirements.Slide10
Foster and Adoption Licensing Requirements Continued…
Adopting parents must have good physical and mental health.
All adults must complete, at least, 30 hours of pre-service preparation training and all paperwork to help them make an informed decision about whether fostering or adopting is the appropriate decision. Training varies with the agency and can take 6-9 months to complete.
Something to consider: Once all requirements are met the amount of time it takes for a family to receive a child depends on how flexible that family is about the type of child they wish to parent. (Age, gender, cultural background, special needs, etc.)Slide11
Legal Process
Adoptive parents are responsible for costs associated with attorney fees, court costs;
Adoptive Attorney files petition in adoptive family’s county of residence (see attached handout)
An “Adoption Hearing” date will be set for foster familySlide12
Know Your Resources
Use your Agency
Join a Support Group
Adoption Support of
Kentucky (http://
www.uky.edu
/TRC/ASK) -- (http://
www.kentuckyadoptioncoalition.org
/members/adoption-support-for-
kentucky.html
)
Know local providers and don’t be afraid to utilize them
Post-Adoption Stabilization Services