Adoption

questions & answers

Question: When children are ADOPTED by the grandparents and the children were in cos custody at the time they were adopted. Does the grandparent get monthly checks fro the state?

Answer: In Arizona, an adopted child must qualify for “adoption subsidies” by his/her “special needs” and other factors; that the child is adopted through the foster care system, i.e. State responsibility, or private placement is a requirement. Whether the adoptive parents are blood relatives, for example, grandparents, does not necessarily relate to subsidy payments. Arizona’s Department of Economic Security “DES” is responsible for adoptions in the state and has published a document regarding subsidies. “Adoption Subsidy: A Program For Children With Special Needs” (https://www.azdes.gov/InternetFiles/Reports/pdf/PAP-194english.pdf) Here are Arizona’s specific factors or conditions, similar to those required by the Federal government, with regard to subsidies for Special Needs. A child with special needs is defined as a child that has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to placement or adoption without financial assistance: • Six years of age or older • Racial or ethnic factors (African American, Native American, Hispanic, Asian or other heritage) • Member of a sibling group to be placed together • Physical, mental or developmental disability • Emotional disturbance • High risk of physical or mental disease • High risk of developmental disability • High risk of severe emotional disturbance if removed from the care of foster parents or relatives • Any combination of the above factors For additional information about adoptive parenting, email DES at [email protected] or call 1-877-KIDS-NEEDU (1-543-7633). 8.2B.11 TITLE IV-E, Adoption Assistance Program, Eligibility, Special needs http://www.acf.hhs.gov/cwpm/programs/cb/laws_policies/laws/cwpm/policy_dsp.jsp?citID=49 http://azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?mc=1&sc=60&articleid=157