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Policy
Manual
ADOPTION SERVICES
Subsidized Adoption Unit
41-40-10.3
Subsidy Requested After Adoption Finalization
| Policy |
Adoptive parents may find it necessary to request a subsidy
after the adoption has been finalized. Subsidies may be considered at the discretion of
the Commissioner for conditions resulting from, or directly related to, the totality of
circumstances surrounding the child prior to placement in adoption.
A post-finalization subsidy cannot be granted for new conditions or circumstances that
occurred following legal adoption.
A subsidy granted after finalization is eligible for state adoption assistance only.
Note: A child brought from a country outside the United States, its
territories and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the purpose of adoption is not
eligible to receive subsidized payments or medical coverage under CONN. GEN. STAT.
§§17a-116 through 17a-121.
A child brought to Connecticut from within the United States is subject to the
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and, as such, the sending state shall
continue to have financial responsibility for the child during the period of placement
under CONN. GEN. STAT. §17a-175. |
| Application and Letter |
When a family requests a subsidy, the Subsidized Adoption Unit worker
shall send the family
- a letter detailing the information needed to process the subsidy
- an "Application for an Adoption Subsidy After Finalization" (DCF-2052).
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| Written Medical Evaluations |
In order for the subsidy to be granted, the following medical evaluations
must be submitted to the Subsidized Adoption Unit:
- if the subsidy is for a psychiatric or psychological condition, a current, written
evaluation from a psychiatrist or psychologist providing diagnosis and prognosis of
emotional or mental conditions or impairments
- if the subsidy is for a physical condition, written statements from licensed physicians
attesting to the etiology of the problem, the degree of severity, and the recommendations
for treatment and prognosis.
Note: The information must define the child as "special
needs" and clearly demonstrate that had the circumstances existed or been made known
to the Department prior to the adoption, the child would have been eligible at that time. |
| Review of Finalized Adoption Record |
If the adoption was finalized through the Department, the worker shall
obtain and review the closed record. If a private agency finalized the adoption, the
worker shall request information from the agency to document conditions resulting from, or
directly related to, the totality of circumstances surrounding the child prior to
placement in adoption. |
Approval/
Denial Procedure |
The Subsidized Adoption Unit shall take the following steps to obtain
approval or denial of the subsidy:
| Step |
Action |
| 1 |
Ensure that the application material is complete. |
| 2 |
Assess the material for the following eligibility criteria:
- The child was given in adoption by a statutory parent.
- The condition is related to factors or circumstances that existed prior to the adoption.
- The condition requires current medical care and treatment.
- For a medical subsidy, the anticipated costs are not reimbursable by health insurance or
federal or other state payments.
- The adoptive parents are legally responsible for the support of the child.
- The child is receiving support from the adoptive family.
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| 3 |
Review the application with those Department staff who are
professionally knowledgeable and skilled in assessing the condition for which the adoptive
parents are applying. If there is reason to believe that the child is not eligible for a
medical subsidy, the Department may require the applicants to obtain a further
professional opinion from those who are licensed or accredited and who specialize in the
treatment area being described in the application. |
| 4 |
Upon receipt of all written medical consultations and
diagnoses:
- Complete the
- "Certification of Special Needs Status" (DCF-416)
- "Commissioner’s Statement of Support after Adoption Finalization"
(DCF-419A).
- Forward all materials to the supervisor of the Subsidized Adoption Unit for review prior
to submitting the application packet to the Commissioner’s Office for approval and
signature.
The cover memo of recommendation to the Commissioner shall summarize the circumstances
and potential eligibility of the child as well as the cost of care and treatment. |
| 5 |
Within thirty (30) days, notify the parents in writing of
the eligibility decision. If the request is approved :
- Send a cover letter explaining the subsidy benefits which will be provided and the
annual review procedures.
- Send the "Adoption Subsidy Agreement, Initial Agreement" (DCF-418I) for the
parents’ notarized signatures.
- Complete the processing of a new, subsidized adoption.
If the request is denied:
- Send written notification to the family advising them of the reason(s) for the denial
and of their right to request a hearing before the Adoption Subsidy Review Board. Use
forms DCF-800, "Notice of Proposed Denial, Reduction, Suspension, or Discontinuance
of DCF Benefits", and DCF-800A, "Client’s Agreement to Suspend, Reduce, or
Terminate DCF Benefits".
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| Effective Date of Subsidy |
The effective date of the subsidy shall be the date the "Application
for an Adoption Subsidy After Finalization" (DCF-2052) is received by the Department.
The subsidy shall not be retroactive to the date of finalization. |
Connecticut Department of Children and
Families Effective Date: July 15, 1998 (Revised)
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