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Policy Manual
ADOPTION SERVICES
Subsidized Adoption Unit

41-40-10.5
Other Functions of the Subsidized Adoption Unit

Other Functions The Subsidized Adoption Unit has post-finalization responsibilities in the areas explained below.
Transfer of Records to Subsidized Adoption Unit Once the regional office Social Worker has finalized an adoption which is eligible for a subsidy, the necessary documents and case record shall be transferred to the Subsidized Adoption Unit (both hard copy record and through LINK, as applicable).

The Subsidized Adoption Unit shall review the record information and return for correction any records that are not complete or accurate.

Cross-Reference: 48-18-6, "Processing Subsidized Adoptions"
When a Family Moves Out-of-State When a family moves out of state, the Subsidized Adoption Unit staff shall determine if the child is IV-E eligible.

If the child is eligible, staff shall

  • send the Interstate Compact Office copies of the child(ren)’s latest annual review form (DCF-418I or DCF-418A) and Title IV-E/XIX Application, DCF-550, so that coverage can be transferred to that state
  • contact the parents to advise them of the process.

If the child is not IV-E eligible,

  • medical coverage cannot be transferred
  • parents are urged to try to locate medical providers in their area willing to become Connecticut Title XIX providers. If unable to do so, the Department is obligated to pay for medical bills.

In all cases, the monthly financial benefits can continue to be sent by the Department to the new out-of-state address.
Requests for Information The Subsidized Adoption Unit receives and responds to telephone calls or correspondence requesting information about the subsidized adoption program; e.g., a written verification of the amount and type of subsidy, a description of the program.
Special Subsidy Requests The adoptive parent may request a subsidy payment for a service directly related to the child’s special need, and for which no other source of payment is available.

The Subsidized Adoption Unit worker shall

  • review the request
  • determine if it would be unreasonable or cause undue hardship to expect the adoptive parent to pay for such expenses either in whole or in part from the monthly financial subsidy
  • at a minimum, obtain the documentation specified below:
Type of Request Action
Special equipment The family must submit three (3) estimates of the cost.
Payment of a bill Staff must obtain a copy of the bill.
Special services Staff must obtain a report from the provider detailing the reason and need for services, diagnosis, if any, and estimated duration and cost of the services.

To obtain approval of special requests, the Subsidized Adoption Unit worker shall submit a special request packet of information to the Director of the Office of Foster and Adoption Services who will forward the request to the Commissioner’s Office.

If approved, the worker shall complete necessary paperwork and enter payment in LINK.

If denied, the worker shall send written notification to the family and advise them of their right to request a hearing.
Hearings If the parents disagree with the discontinuance or denial of financial benefits or medical coverage for any reason other than a child reaching the age of 18 for financial subsidy or age 21 for a medical subsidy, they may request a hearing.

The Subsidized Adoption Unit will provide copies of all Annual Review forms in the record (from initial to date) for use at the hearing.

Cross-Reference: Chapter 22, Administrative Hearings.
Department of Social Services: Computer Updates DCF Subsidized Adoption Unit staff update information in the Department of Social Services computer system directly, including
  • change of address
  • verification of eligibility status.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families Effective Date: July 15, 1998 (Revised)

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