[ddnmiller]

Does anyone know whether the state of Arizona automatically gives an adoption subsidy for special needs kids or whether it is based on income? Has anyone hired an advocate or attorney to help them negiotiate this? I would love to adopt special needs and sibling groups but am concerned about the expense.

Thanks!

[DryHeat]

We just negotiated our adoption subsidy with the state or Oregon (we adopted out of state - we would HIGHLY recommend not wasting time with the AZ foster care system) and know that subsidies are handled the same in all states. The subsidy amount is not based on income but on the needs of the child or children you are adopting. You do not need to hire an attorney as you negotiate directly with the state county you adopt from. It was a very simple process for us and took less than 5 minutes over the phone to arrive at our subsidy amount. Hope this helps.

[adopt2010]

DryHeat, were you lic. as strictly adoption or were you licensed to foster as well?

[DryHeat]

We are are not licensed for foster care only adoption.

[5starday]

We are licensed and certified for both foster and adoption. Our adoption subsidy meeting went rather quickly too. They had little to go on based on our daughter's case history but she was awarded a subsidy based on what she will probably face in the future.

We were surprised at how simple the process was after it taking nearly 2 years for her adoption to be final!