[octavias]

Hi, I'm new here and have a question about this topic. We just found out that our new little daughter will be joining us soon. (yay!) We've been waiting a while and finally were chosen at committee (we are in Oregon). We are very excited but a little nervous too, we are told that our little darling has some issues, that are a little out of the norm, and she is scheduled for an eval very soon. We also know that her behaviors can be hard to live and deal with. When I mentioned that our family may need counciling ( we have two bio kids already) I was told that that was just a expense that we would have to cover. I was surprised, I figured that was what subsities where for, to make the adoption work! Trust me, with her issues, we are all going to need lots of support, not just her. What are subsities for specifically if not mental health?
Thanks in advance.
Octavia

[BethanyB]

Are they telling you that your child will not be eligable for a subsidy?

A subsidy can be given for a few reasons.
One being an incentive to adopt an older child, a child of color, or a child with special needs (physically or emotionally).

A subsidy is also given to help cover the cost of caring for a child who needs therepy, frequent hospitalization, medical supplies and so on. That is why there is a subsidy level in most states. If someone adopts a child with HIV or another serious health issue, the level of the subsidy goes up. Children like this get a LOT more money per month. For not just medical reasons but the time that it takes to care for these children. Some need around the clock care.

In my state if a child is over the age of five he or she is eligable for a subsidy. If the child is of a minority race that is hard to place (AA) than the child must be 2 or older. If the child is under two years of age and of a minority race AND has been exposed to drugs or has been in a foster home for over 12 months and that home wants to adopt, the child is eligable for a subsidy. And if the child has medical or emotional issues the child is also eligible.

Try going on this website to check out the regulations for your state. www.nacac.org
Many states do NOT want to give you the subsidy and will whatever is neccisary to blow you off on the subject. DON'T let them. Find out the facts and then be persistant. If your child has needs than you deserve to have it.


How old is the little girl? What race is she? These are all important factors. Don't give up. You need to get more answers from your state.

[octavias]

She's just turned 2. She won't qualify under race or age. But I think she will because of her issues. She is being evaluated at OHSU, we will know more specifically then what is causing her behaviors. I know her current foster mom gets extra sub. to cover additional respite because she is hard to deal with and a person needs breaks. I contacted the post adoption resourse center today, and they said basically the same thing, that the worker will try to blow us off, but that if we are persistant, she may listen. We don't have her in our home yet, and maybe, she will settle down once we get her and have her for a while, but I'm just wanting to have plenty of support in place if not, because I know I will need it!

[rindava]

they will look a lot at the parents mental health, if there are any issues...then consider drug and acohol exposure (if she was exposed before birth there can be major consequences)....then why was she removed from their care and why were their parental right terminated (sexual abuse even at infancy apparently has so dire consequences)

basically by federal law any child in foster care should get adoption subsidy...but each state does its own thing...and with littles one they try and paint this picture that all will be swell once the child is in your home without their help...and doesn't Oregon do that 15% less then foster care for their adoption sub rates (so you should get at least that amount)

My son is from Missouri and if you have been reading anyting about that, they can just up and take subsidy away from you .

[aMarylandfamily]

Some states can issue subsidies for particular costs ... i.e., therapy but generally the subsidy is determined by a current list of needs and is not sepcific oriented ... to get a subsidy for specifics is beyond this life (from what we have been told) unless you have a child on life support or something similar. Therefore, most states give you a susbidy to be used as your needs apply ... medicaid should also cover a majority of therapeutic/health needs. This subsidy is renewal each year so needs can be modified as required (doesn't mean you will get more but possible if you are not receiving your state's maximum amount allowabe at the time) ... remember it does not hurt to ask your worker these questions - some folks have a hard time not wanting to sound like they are in it for the $ but the more services you qualify for and receive the more $ you have to meet other needs ... clothing, entertainment, athletics, etc.