When does first AAP check come?

Hello. We took a county placement of fost to adopt baby during the 3rd week of Nov. This is our second time, and I was busy feeding, etc. so I didn't pay as much attention to the paperwork as I would have normally done. The SW gave me a copy of the papers I signed. She pulled a set out of her folder, didn't physically copy it. On the placement form, it was blank for the amount that I'd be provided per month. Further, the box special needs/problems was checked "no". Is foster payment standard until an adoption goes through with a county placement because there is always a risk of RU or relatives? The 1st has come and gone, and I didn't get a prorated check, though it could be taking a while to process? I don't want to go on a shopping spree and discover that it won't be coming, but I'm too embarrased to ask the SW about it. Further, since it's checked "special problems/needs" NO, will the Fed tax credit still apply? I know my DD got it; she was born meth exposed, though has no "special needs" label but qualified for Fed credit anyway. This kid does have parents with adverse background which involves drugs (through not born exposed), but the placement paper work doesn't reflect that so I am wondering if the adoption does go through, will I have anything to prove that parents created a special need situation. Again, I'm just planning finanaces in advance. Thanks for any tips.