Subsidies for Certain Types of Adoption
When families decide to adopt a child, many will find reasons not to adopt those who are disabled or have other challenges, including the high cost of care that may be required for those with specific conditions. However, the state of Illinois, along with many other states, may offer some assistance. Not every case will qualify, but it is possible, especially with a good attorney, to be approved for adoption subsidies.
Federal and State Programs
Both the federal government and the individual states offer subsidies when adopting children with what the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) refers to as “special needs” (not to be confused with the alternate term for “disabled”). In order to qualify for either state or federal programs, a child must have at least one of the following characteristics:
- Is one year or older;
- Is a member of a sibling group (being adopted together) where a sibling meets one of the other characteristics. For example, if a child has a disabled sibling and the two are adopted together, the adoptive parent may be eligible for subsidies for both children;
- The adoptive parents of the child must have previously adopted that child’s sibling while receiving assistance; or
- Has some physical, mental or emotional disability, though it may or may not be able to be corrected.
While regular adoptions are sometimes eligible to receive aid, those adopting children in these “special” needs categories are more likely to receive it. Assistance payment amounts can be set on a case-by-case basis, though medical records and testimony are often needed to support a showing of disability.
Types of Assistance
Some adoptive parents mistakenly believe that subsidies must be paid as one lump sumwith no flexibility possible. This is not the case. Depending on the needs of the individual child and family, it may be possible to obtain many different services if need can be proven. Monthly payments may be available, as well as Medicaid cards for services available via that platform.
Subsidies are evaluated every so often to ensure that there has not been a fundamental change in the family’s circumstances, but most of the time, the subsidy will simply terminate when the child reaches 18 years of age—age 21 for some disabled children. In the event of a relocation, it may even be possible to have your subsidy payment information transferred to your new state of residence. Illinois is a member of the Interstate Compact on Adoption & Medical Assistance (ICAMA), and if you must relocate, a worker from the state’s adoption services will work with you (if you qualify) to ensure that your information is in order once you move.
Get an Adoption Lawyer on Your Side
Applying for subsidies can be a confusing process, and keeping or modifying them can be even more challenging. Contact an experienced adoption attorney in Geneva to get the help you need today. Call 630-232-9700 for a confidential consultation.
Sources:
http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/factsheets/title_IV.html
http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/stateprofiles/illinois.html
https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/notices/Documents/cfs%201050-45%20post%20a-g%20services.pdf
