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Hi, We adopted a 6 year old little girl a few months ago and now it looks like we will be adopting a little boy in the next couple of months. We were a bit naive about subsidy when we adopted our first. We were just happy to have her and love her so much. This time around we would like to be a bit more educated. We got this little boy when he was just 2 days old. His mother admitted to using cocaine everyday of her pregnancy. He did go through withdrawls and has had many medical problems such as misshaped head, immature lung, mild hearing loss, reflux, etc. Could anyone shed some light as to what subsidy would be fair? We don't want to be greedy. We just want to be able to handle any needs he may have in the future. Thank You. You can email me privately at weas123@att.net if you prefer.
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Hi, an adoption subsidy is a grant request. You need to do some research and also provide for the unknown future. You will need to ask for the basic amount, and then document any special services the child now requires. That means specialist visits, medical supplies, and anything beyond the regular stuff.
You may also need to get letters from any helping professionals you may be going to currently, to document the need for their services and prognosis for the future. When you have covered all the current needs, then you need to allow for an increase or decrease in future subsidies as the child grows. That usually just requires a statement giving the reasons for possible future needs such as unknown effects due to prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol.
Our subsidy comes up for renewal every 2 years but I can write and inform them of any changes that may require more or less resources. It is an ongoing support. Best Wishes.
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I assume you are currently the foster home for this child? Then the easiest request to make is that the current foster child payment that you receive for him be continued after the adoption. The state will then try to negotiate you lower, and you shouldn't give in, at least not too easily.
Whatever amount you settle on should have a clause in it that allows you to petition to increase it at a later date--make sure the agreement spells out when that could happen, under what circumstances, and who you need to file a request with.
Note, though, that if you push too hard for a subsidy, the state could threaten to remove the child and place him with a family that will not request a subsidy. So be tactful, logical, and reasonable in your discussions. Getting letters from his doctors that detail the possible effects of his cocaine exposure and future risks from his medical problems will be extremely helpful. Good luck!
A foster child is entitled to subsidy if they have a Medical, Mental or Emotional condition. When requesting subsidy, you need to go to whatever Agency you are dealing with to do so. A good rule of thumb is to phrase it, "I am requesting subsidy for my child."
Subsidy has to be established prior to adoption. If the child is receiving services of any kind, it will help. ie: Infant stimulation, physical or occupational therapy, etc.
The rate of subsidy is normally the rate you would receive for the child while in Care. Hope this helps.
Leda
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