Policy Manual
ADOPTIONS
Subsidized Adoptions

48-18-5
Determination of the Amount and Type of an Adoption Subsidy

Policy The child shall be the primary focus in the determination of the adoption assistance payment.  The subsidy shall be based upon the special needs of the child.
Eligibility Age for Receipt of a Subsidy The child may receive a periodic subsidy and/or lump sum payment only up to the child's eighteenth (18) birthday.

The medical subsidy may continue to age twenty-one (21).
Other Income Available to the Child Any income available to the adoptive child must be taken into consideration in determining the amount of the subsidy. The income amount will be reflected on the DCF-418-I, "Adoption Subsidy Agreement, Initial Agreement."

The receipt of funds from other sources, such as Social Security, Veteran’s Administration benefits, etc., is taken into consideration in determining the final award of adoption assistance. If a child is eligible to receive S.S.I. payments, the family needs to be informed that their family income will be taken into account in order to determine the amount of S.S.I. payments after finalization.
No Means Test There are no income eligibility requirements (means test) for prospective adoptive parents to determine eligibility for subsidy payments or other adoption assistance.
Amount and Type of Subsidy

The final amount of the financial subsidy is determined by Department staff following a thorough discussion with the prospective adoptive parent(s). 

The amount of a periodic subsidy shall not exceed 100% of the foster care reimbursement rate. 

Where the amount of a specific subsidy is waived for a specified period of time in exchange for the payment of a special need, lump sum subsidy (e.g., camperships), the amount also shall not exceed 100% of the established subsidy rate for that period. 

The following subsidized adoption rates are effective July 1, 2005:

Subsidized Adoption Rates for Adoptions Finalized Before January 1, 2005

Age/Group Service

Per Diem Rate

31-day Months

30-day Months

28-day Month

Age 0 - 5

$23.03

$713.79

$690.77

$644.72

Age 6 - 11

$23.76

 $736.68 $712.92 $665.39

12 and over

 $26.22 $812.77 $786.55 $734.12
Medically complex $44.38 $1,375.78 $1,331.40 $1,242.64

Subsidized Adoption Rates for Adoptions Finalized After December 31, 2004

Age/Group Service

Per Diem Rate

31-day Months

30-day Months

28-day Month

Age 0 - 5

$24.21

$750.51

$726.30

$677.88

Age 6 - 11

$24.63

 $763.53 $738.90 $689.64

12 and over

 $26.89 $833.59 $806.70 $752.92
Medically complex $44.38 $1,375.78 $1,331.40 $1,242.64
Certified as Special Needs due to High Risk

If a child is certified as special needs due only to a recognized high risk of physical or mental disability or a high risk of serious emotional maladjustment, the child shall be eligible to receive a Title XIX/Medicaid card as administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). 

If the child should develop a physical or mental disability or serious emotional maladjustment, was initially determined to be at high risk, and is certified by a licensed physician, psychiatrist or psychologist who provides a written diagnosis and recommendation for treatment, the family may then apply for financial subsidy prior to, or after finalization.
Child with Complex Medical Needs

If the child is receiving a medically complex rate, a current DCF-2101, “Certification of a Child’s Complex Medical Needs”, shall be submitted with the DCF-418-I, “Adoption Subsidy Agreement, Initial Agreement”. 

The Department shall require a periodic review of the child’s medically complex status to determine if the rate can be continued. 

Cross-References: 41-7-2, “Certification of a Child’s Complex Medical Needs”; 41-7-7, “Exceptional Foster Care Rate”; 41-40-10.4, “Review of Subsidy Agreement”.
Appeal If no agreement is reached on the amount of the subsidy, the parent(s) or licensed Connecticut child placing agency may appeal to the Adoption Subsidy Review Board by writing to the Commissioner.
Initial Agreement The area office Social Worker shall prepare the DCF-418-I indicating the type and amount of the subsidy.
Eligibility for Medical Coverage A child who is eligible for medical coverage under CONN. GEN. STAT. §17a-117 does not necessarily have a handicapping condition, but is eligible because the child is receiving medical coverage prior to finalization of the adoption.
Two Year Agreement The agreement, upon signature by the Social Worker and the adoptive parent(s), shall continue in effect for two years after the adoption, regardless of the state where the adoptive parent(s) resides.
Adjustments In the event of changes in the needs of the child and/or the circumstances of the family, adjustments may be made in the payments with the agreement of the adoptive parent(s).

Connecticut Department of Children and Families              Effective Date: November 30, 2005  (Revised)