Are you or someone you know considering the possibility of adoption but wondering what type of help is available? California understands that the choice of adopting can be daunting with all of the finances that the adoptive parents will be taking on. The good news is that there is assistance available to help individuals who are making the choice to adopt. This assistance is known as the Adoption Assistance Program which is there to help the child find a permanent home.
What Is The Adoption Assistance Program in California?
California’s adoption assistance program commonly known as AAP is a program that provides financial assistance and medical coverage to provide help with the adoption of children. The purpose of the program is to provide security and stability of a permanent home through adoption. Children who are eligible for AAP have the opportunity to receive federally funded benefits or non-federally funded benefits per guidelines. The request for AAP benefits, eligibility determination, benefits negotiation, and execution of the agreement must be completed before the finalization of the adoption.
What are some AAP benefits?
An AAP eligible child may receive the following:
- Medical coverage
- Monthly negotiated rates
- Reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses (up to $400 per child per adoption)
- Payment for eligible out of home placement
- Payment for eligible Wraparound services
- Benefits may continue in a subsequent adoption
- Continues regardless of the adoptive family’s state or country of residence
Who is eligible for adoption assistance?
In order to be eligible for adoption assistance, a child must meet the following requirements set forth by NACAC to be considered a child requiring special needs:
- The child cannot or should not be returned to his or her parents’ home as evidenced by a petition to terminate parental rights, a court order terminating parental rights, a signed relinquishment, or a tribal customary adoption order.
- The child has one or more of the following specific factors:
- Three years of age or older
- Race, ethnicity, color, or language that is a barrier to adoption
- Member of a sibling group that should remain together
- Mental, physical, emotional, or medical disability certified by a licensed professional
- Parental background of a medical or behavioral nature that can be determined to adversely affect the development of the child
- The need for adoption assistance is demonstrated by an unsuccessful search for an adoptive family who will take the child without financial assistance.
What is the amount of financial assistance offered through AAP?
The amount of the AAP benefits is negotiated based on the family’s circumstances and the child’s based needs. The AAP benefits are meant to help the adoptive guardians with their child’s needs during their life. The benefits cannot be more than the cost of the child remaining in the foster care system.
What if the child needs more care beyond the adoption assistance benefits?
If the child is needing higher than normal levels of care and supervision, the adoptive guardians may be eligible to receive Special Care Increment in addition to the normal AAP rates.
What is the medical coverage offered through AAP in California?
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment Services (EPSDT)
- Doctor’s services
- Laboratory, x-ray, and radiation treatment
- Clinic visits
- Inpatient hospital care
- Mental health services
- Ambulance and medical transportation services
- Confidential medical services
- Prescribed medication
- Family planning
- Prenatal care
- Eyeglasses
- Hearing aids
What is the age limit that the adoptive child may receive these benefits?
The AAP benefits are terminated when the child becomes 18 years of age but may be extended to the age of 21 if they are :
- Currently completing high school or an equivalency program;
- Enrolled in a post-secondary or vocational school;
- Participating in a program or activity that promotes or removes barriers to employment;
- Employed at least 80 hours per month;
- Is incapable of participating in the points mentioned above, due to a physical or mental disability.
Is it mandatory to have adoptive assistance?
It is not mandatory to have the child get AAP benefits. If the adoptive guardians do not wish to receive any of the AAP benefits, they can sign a deferred AAP agreement. The deferred agreement will retain their child’s eligibility should the adoptive parents request benefits at a future date. The AAP benefits are in place to help the child by successfully providing security for a permanent home, so it is recommended that the parents sign the deferred AAP agreement.
Contact Pride Legal
If you or a loved one believe you need an adoptive assistance we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further questions. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.