Comments on AdoptUsKids blog: adoption subsidy

I did that, they have their own attorney, an over ...

2008-08-22T12:17:00.001-04:00

I did that, they have their own attorney, an over dressed,overpaid, know nothing about my child "man",who made me feel like I was on trial.The judge,for lack of a nice word who also knew nothing about my child agreed with them.The director,who claims to also have a child from Philly lied with a "WWJD" keyholder aroung his neck.I left that hearing in tears.

It's okay,I am not nor will I ever be in it for the money,nor would I take anything back.I love my daughter and I WILL provide for her.God knows the challenges she faces and will face in the future,but she will know without a shadow of a doubt that I am and will be there for her.

I did that, they have their own attorney, an over ...

2008-08-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

Yes it is different county by county,however in my...

2008-08-21T12:08:00.000-04:00

Yes it is different county by county,however in my case I knew the foster family VERY well and I knew what Philadelphia was paying them and it was and is nowhere near what my child from Philly recieves.
Whats fair is fair here.Seems to them the chidlren are just a number.You can state all the laws and the "whatever" else you want to say,however I would doubt that any foster parent in Philly is recieving $10.00 a day.They say they cannot afford to incease.Yet they hire an expensive Liar to work on their behalf.

Anonymous,Subsidy agreements are designed to meet ...

2008-08-20T15:53:00.000-04:00

Anonymous,

Subsidy agreements are designed to meet the needs of the child, and can not, by Federal statute, exceed what it would cost the county if they had to place that child in foster care. Subsidy agreements may be renegotiated if the child’s special needs increase to a point that more therapy or whatever is needed – even if the issue is a parent having to adjust his or her work schedule to provide more intense supervision. The rationale is if the child was in placement the agency would probably have to pay a higher foster care rate to meet the child’s increased needs. However, just because things cost more in general is not sufficient cause to request a renegotiation. If foster care maintenance payments are raised across the board, a family is entitled to request a renegotiation based on that fact, if their subsidy payments have not been increased as well. (Some counties do that, some do not.)

Basically, a family is entitled to request a renegotiation of their agreement at any time. If the county refuses to do so, the family should file a complaint with the regional Office of Children, Youth and Families overseeing that county. If the county agrees to the renegotiation but refuses the requested increase, a family can appeal the decision and the Board of Hearings and Appeals will conduct a hearing. If you would like to discuss your particular situation, please call AdoptUsKids at 1-888-200-4005 and we can talk.

Sue Zola, RRT from PA.

The Children's Bureau at the U.S. Department of He...

2008-08-08T10:23:00.000-04:00

The Children's Bureau at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has added a question and answer about subsidy to the Child Welfare Policy Manual. The full manual is available online at: www.acf.hhs.gov/jee/programs/cb/laws_policies/laws/cwpm/policy_dsp.jsp?citID=12

To the last post, we know for a fact that the subs...

2008-07-29T17:06:00.000-04:00

To the last post, we know for a fact that the subsidy is not meant to live off.I have been at this for many years and you are not telling those of us anything new.
What was said that when you adopt a small child and don not have the full picture until the child reaches school age the county should step in to help and PHILADELPHIA COUNTY does not!!
I ask you, with the cost of everything going up would you be able to make it today on the salary you made 10 years ago?
Well neither should the children whom they "claim" to be so concerned about.
Even the rates of foster care is increasing.
Sure we all know we are parents,but to allow these counties to get by on giving these children less then they would have gotten on
Public assistance is ridiculous and the system needs to change!!
And I am a great parent, my children live in a beautiful home,go to the best schools in the county and are very well taken care of.PLUS I HAVE a great GOVERNMENT job!!!

HOPE THIS ONE GETS POSTED

To the last poster:Thats all fine and great that w...

2008-07-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

To the last poster:
Thats all fine and great that we are the parents.HOWEVER in certain cases when dealing with "special needs" adoptions situations arise that could not have been detected, some 6, 7 or even 10 years ago.
Thats when a parent should be able to come back to that county to assist.
We are doing whats best for the children in our care,and thats its own reward,however if you adopt an infant and find out 5 years down the road the child has challenges that are NOT covered,being "their FATHER" is not going to help them.
And the same rate of assistance a child got at 2 is a mere drop in the bucket by the time that child reaches 18.
Can you make it off the wages you made in 1990? Well neither should the child!!!!

In response to the last couple of posts....I am an...

2008-07-21T21:26:00.000-04:00

In response to the last couple of posts....
I am an adoptive parent and both of my boys receive a subsidy check. These checks are not meant to be lived off of, or to constitute the whole of support for a child.
They are to ASSIST with expenses that are not covered by medicaid, etc.
The money we get goes in part to defray after school costs and the rest into college accounts. The rest- food, clothes, etc. - I pay for, because I AM THEIR FATHER.....

I have heard the same of Philadelphia County in Pe...

2008-05-19T08:28:00.000-04:00

I have heard the same of Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania.It seems they give the parents the minimal amount of subsidy and NEVER give increases.Every time an increase is requested it is always denied.The manager,who says he is also an adoptive parent,however I doubt his child is getting the minimum.
They attorney you are speaking of is rude and nasty and I do not understand why the county would even need such and laywer to go against families they "claim" to want to help.
I am sure that the money the county gives there attornies are far more then these poor children recieve.
I ask any one over in Philadelphia , could you live off of $14.00 a day...thats about $440 a month!!!!Wefare pays more then that!!

I urge counties to think of the child and the needs they have currently and the unforseen needs of the child in the future before offering the family such a small amount.As the child grow sometimes so does the needs.

Philadelphia how you treat the families and the children you adopt is an isult and you should be ashamed.These families do over and beyone the call of duty and you slap them in the face with barely nothing.But for the love of a child these families adopt.The biggest reward they have in the child and for that they are to be commened not beat up like the last post here.
I hope someone from Philadelphia,Pa reads these 2 post and takes a long hard look at how you treat your families and then STRIVE to be better.....
Besides its all about the children...

I adopted 3 times in the past and have 4 adopted c...

2008-04-30T09:49:00.000-04:00

I adopted 3 times in the past and have 4 adopted children.I live in Pennsylvania.My first adoption was a 4 year old girl from Philadelphia.Her adoption subsidy was 12.00 per day.Not much but okay.About a year later I requested and increase.I was denied,I appealed and recieve a $1.00 increase.That was 8 years ago.It seems that Philly will not grant increases no matter what.In fact about 6 years ago I requested another $1.00.I was denied,I appealed and lost.I had to go there for a hearing.There I felt I was put on trial as Philly had some"over dressed,highly OVER paid lawyer".
I lost and left crying.I took a day off work,the "big Shot" in charge in Philly bascially lied in court with a "Jesus" keychain around his neck.
It is so sad that they "wasted" all that money on an attorney that should have gone to my child...or any child.
Today my daughter has ADHD but she is happy and healthy and still getting $13.00 a day.

It's okay I am not in it for the money but for the love of my child.

SHAME ON YOU PHILADELPHIA !!!!!

I adopted 3 times in the past and have 4 adopted c...

2008-04-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

I adopted 3 times in the past and have 4 adopted children.I live in Pennsylvania.My first adoption was a 4 year old girl from Philadelphia.Her adoption subsidy was 12.00 per day.Not much but okay.About a year later I requested and increase.I was denied,I appealed and recieve a $1.00 increase.That was 8 years ago.It seems that Philly will not grant increases no matter what.In fact about 6 years ago I requested another $1.00.I was denied,I appealed and lost.I had to go there for a hearing.There I felt I was put on trial as Philly had some"over dressed,highly paid lawyer".
I lost and left crying.I took a day off work,the "big Shot" in charge in Philly bascially lied in court with a "Jesus" keychain around his neck.
It is so sad that they "wasted" all that money on an attorney that should have gone to my child...or any child.
Today my daughter has ADHD but she is happy and healthy and still getting $13.00 a day.

SHAME ON YOU PHILADELPHIA !!!!!

Dear Family that posted a blog on Adoption Subsidy...

2008-04-23T09:36:00.000-04:00

Dear Family that posted a blog on Adoption Subsidy April 14, 2008 7:53 PM

My name is Alex White. I am Adoptuskids Recruitment Response Team (RRT) for Cluster 1 assisting families in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.

Some children who have special needs present financial barriers to a successful adoption. Every child is different, therefore the types of subsides available for adoption are different. Children that have significant medical, emotional, or developmental needs are the children that qualify. Federal and state subsidies are available to assist adoptive families in meeting the special needs of the children they adopt. Subsidy amount is determined on the child and the income and or resources needed to meet those needs. Every child is different, therefore the types of subsides available are different. Please discuss with the child’s worker or subsidy worker to determine what subsidies are available.

Feel free to contact AdoptUsKids if you have nay questions.

Have a great day,

Alex White

You are more likely corrent Jenna that the 9 year ...

2008-04-17T23:10:00.000-04:00

You are more likely corrent Jenna that the 9 year old from Kansas wouldn't qualify for a monthy maintence payment.

The state where I am from, Illinois, any child one year & older are eligible for an adotpion subsidy. Perhaps that is one reason why there are more children available for adoption in Kansas than in Illinois.

More foster parents would adopt the child that is already placed with them if their monthy maintience payments would continue after adoption.

To the Kansas Post.... Here's what I found on the ...

2008-04-17T19:45:00.000-04:00

To the Kansas Post.... Here's what I found on the internet...
Kansas’ adoption assistance:

1. What specific factors or conditions does your State consider to determine that a child cannot be placed with adoptive parents without providing financial assistance? ("What is your State definition of 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:

1. Twelve years of age or older (if age is the only special needs factor)
2. Member of a sibling group of two or more children placed for adoption together, where one of the siblings has one of the special needs factors or conditions listed here
3. Member of a sibling group of three or more children placed for adoption together (no other factors are necessary)
4. Medically diagnosed physical disability that requires professional treatment, impairs normal functioning, requires assistance in self-care or the purchase of special equipment. The disability is to be diagnosed by a physician, hospital, clinic or other qualified medical practitioner
5. Significant developmental disabilities and/or delays with demonstrated need for intensive adult supervision beyond chronological age, determined through an evaluation by a licensed psychologist, diagnostic center, special education services, or other qualified professional individual
6. Diagnosed as having a behavioral or emotional disability (psychiatric condition) that impairs the child’s intellectual, behavioral or social functioning. A physician, psychologist or clinical social worker must establish diagnosis and prognosis.
7. Factors in the child’s genetic, health, and/or social background exist that are indicators that the child may develop physical, emotional or developmental problems at a later date (“guarded prognosis”)

Hope it helps! Jenna
PS- I do not believe by what you said about him that he will qualify.

Can anyone explain Kansas' adopion subsidy policy....

2008-04-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

Can anyone explain Kansas' adopion subsidy policy. I have read that the state of Kansas does't give monthy maintance money to all kids from that state. I recently inquired about a nine year old boy from Kansas, and it doesn't appear from his description on addoptuskids web site that he has any special needs. I could be wrong but it appears that he may not qualify for a monthy maintaince from Kansas. Can someone expain the details in this form about Kansas adoption subsidy policy?

Hi, I have found a website that states each states...

2008-04-04T16:05:00.000-04:00

Hi, I have found a website that states each states subsidy program and specific qualifications. This is an extremely helpful website since we are considering adopting from out of state. It's... http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/adoptionsubsidy.html

I hope this helps! Jenna

Hello Anonymous in MI,I am the Liaison for the Sta...

2008-03-14T13:04:00.000-04:00

Hello Anonymous in MI,

I am the Liaison for the State of Michigan's Recruit Response Team in collaboration with AdoptUsKids. I was informed that the Subsidy checks for March went out on March 6th; if you have Direct Deposit, it would have posted on March 7th. If you did not receive your check for this month, you may call the State's Subsidy Office in Lansing after March 18th to report it missing. I was also informed that you can call the Adoption Subsidy Unit to request another schedule and they can e-mail, mail or fax one to you. I'm certain they will be willing to provide you with the assistance you are seeking. Please let me know the result of your phone call. If you need additional assistance, do not hesitate to contact AdoptUsKids by dialing 888.200.4005 or via email at info@adoptuskids.org.

Thank you, Gloria Mitchell, MI RRT

Certain states (in my case, Virginia) have left it...

2008-03-14T06:05:00.000-04:00

Certain states (in my case, Virginia) have left it up to the individual cities or counties. We have a placement from one city but have had to reaaply for our subsidy. The reason given was that it is now based on the county/city they will be living in, not the county/city that they are from. (found this out on the day of placement) Also, we were told that in our state the subsidy paperwork and details had to be completed before finalization of the adoption. Just something for you all to be aware of.

Just a small correction to this post. The subsidy ...

2008-03-13T13:01:00.000-04:00

Just a small correction to this post. The subsidy is not always governed by the placing state. In the case of a child in the custody of a private agency it is the receiving state who determines eligibility and terns of the subsidy.

In His peace - Cindy
MoM(Mom of Many)

Can anyone help me? I adopted three children in M...

2008-03-12T23:39:00.000-04:00

Can anyone help me? I adopted three children in Michigan and within the past year or so they changed their adotion subsidy disbursement schedule. It used to always be the first of the month, but now it varies. Anyhow, my schedule has disappeared and I can't find it online anywhere although I know it is somewhere. Would anyone happen to be from MI and have a copy?

I would appreciate any information concerning rece...

2008-03-10T12:46:00.000-04:00

I would appreciate any information concerning receiving adoption subsidy as well as death benefits. I am in PA and the child in question is certainly considered high maintenance while not medical. The county in question is offering a very small daily subsidy rate and it was stated that I would have to decide between the subsidy and death benefits. I dont quite understand this as I have a friend who (in another county) has adopted children and is receiving both the subsidy as well as the death benefits entitled to the children. I completely understand the situation when it comes to SSI benefits as that is based on income but is not the death benefit something the child is entitled to regardless of the income of the parents. I would appreciate any help on this matter before I finalize any assistance paperwork as this child deserves and needs all the extras that it is possible for me to give in the future.

in a legal risk where tpr did not happen but reuni...

2008-03-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

in a legal risk where tpr did not happen but reunification is set. should your subsidy change to a foster home subsity?

Hi KateI found this website that all you have to d...

2008-03-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

Hi Kate

I found this website that all you have to do is go to the site and click on the site your adopting from. It should give you an idea on subsity payments.

http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/stateprofiles.html

Thanks for raising the question about adoption tax...

2008-02-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks for raising the question about adoption tax credit. It can be a little confusing so I posted a quick overview. If you'd like more specific details, you can visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html.

To the Indiana family - I am following up with you...

2008-02-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

To the Indiana family - I am following up with your state RRT to find out if you can still apply. Stay tuned!