interstate compact - oklahoma/missouri

They say once you get matched and visitations begin that you are home free - NOT - then all the real red tape starts. ICPC is no picnic and the subsidy paperwork + actual placement are just beginning. If you are willing to take $. 50 per month the placing state would jump on that and if you sign the paperwork that is what you are agreeing to for the time being. Generally the rate given is the accepting state rate but the placing state will try to use theirs first if lower. Does Missouri provide a transfer of Medicaid - will the kids remain on their program or transfer to OK ... be clear that if you stay on Missouri then you will have to locate medical personnel (including dental) who is willing to accept same and most won't so make sure you are covered with that too. And if you stay on theirs (keep one for sure as you may need it as secondary to yours if they qualify for using that immediately!), it's another reason to require the higher rate ... your caseworker should be advocating for you in these issues and identifying what you want ... remembering all of this is negotiable - and the rate can be adjusted at any time if you are willing to do the paperwork. Depending on the needs of the children make sure the paperwork/application for this contains exactly what you want - provisions for counseling if needed, respite care if desired and any future costs to automatically qualify the agreement for renegotiation. Hope this helps.

MO is difficult to negotiate with once placement is final. They've made major changes in the last 2 years regarding subsidy. I would pose the question as to why they believe the child's needs changed suddenly. They out right lied to us about subsidy several years ago and the law had changed by the time we appealed. They also did the appeal incorrectly. Needless to say, they ended up with the better end of the deal. Don't sign without checking all the facts with other parents, attornies and SWers.

we dont have an attorney. supposedly when the adoption is "closer" to being final then we were told that there is an attorney in kansas city who will take payment for the adoption from the state. I understand after reading your reply that the state can hose you if you are not careful. since we live in oklahoma, is it legal to just go ahead and do the adoption here? at least then we wouldnt have to drive 6 hours for court. can we get the adoption subsidy from oklahoma since we live here instead of missouri?? thank you to all who can help.

You can generally file "finalization" in either the placing or receiving state ... red tape is easier often in the placing state as it involves less 'players' unless the court documents state "in the placing state" so your worker should be able to get an answer to that. No matter where you live the placing state/agency provides the subsidy payments ... and all annual renewals thereto ... they are pulling you along with the "as it gets closer to finalization" statements hoping that when you do get nearer you will do anything to get it over with ... so proceed with caution. The attorney provided by the state for finalization is not hired to watch your back/best interests - he basically just verifies all the required court paperwork is complete (i.e. supervision reports, petition, etc.) and files the paperwork with a court system and appears with the Adoption Decree for signature at the last hearing ... so don't expect anything from him/her and they are usually not involved in the subsidy agreement arrangements. When you have your most line one and only meeting with him before the hearing ... make sure he has done the social security number change request ... that is a pain when you have to do it yourself. It should be part of his items to take care of but you never know. Take care. :rolleyes:

Subsidy will have to go through MO and likely court also, although sometimes they will use the parents home state. The attornies really don't like to get involved in subsidy, but sometimes can help. What's your worker say? She may be a better advocate for you. MFCAA.org might be able to give you some advice in dealing with workers and what MO will and won't do.