[TexasJingles]

Alright, I've learned a lot around here about being a foster mom. Now, I need to learn about adoption. Specifically, substidy (hopefully spelled right...I'm the world's worst speller... funny! I'm a teacher too! Of BAND!!)

What do you know about it, the paperwork (the worksheet in particular). Anyone? Should I get a lawyer NOW? (we haven't read the files yet...they're at the post office, so we'll have them tomorrow).

I know each state is a little different.

Thanks!

[Singlemom619]

I'm starting the adoption thing soon (should be Nov 9th) and I was given some paperwork about subsidies already. What I read said that BEFORE the adoption papers are signed a caseworker would sit down with me and we would discuss and "agree" upon a subsidy rate.

I was told this rate would NOT be higher than the foster care rate. Every 2 years it is re-assessed and can go up or down. It is based upon the child's needs AND they say based upon letting the family and child continue living at the same level (so you won't go from middle class to lower class after the adoption.)

From the people that I've talked to their Adoption rate was about 200$ less than their foster care rate. I'm sure it varies though. But again this is worked out before the adoption is finalized.

This is how it is going for me in California.

[ajjhmf]

Every state is different in how it handles subsidy. Our state, Ohio, had us agree to a subsidy rate BEFORE placing J with us. The rate wasn't final though until we finalized. In our case, we recieved more that the foster care rate since J was Title IV and recieved federal funds in addition to state funds. Here is the link to a website that details subsidy for each state. Good luck.

www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy.html

Blessings,
Jenny

[leenab]

A lot depends upton which state you're in. A helpful site is: http://www.nacac.org/subsidy_stateprofiles.html

You shouldn't need a lawyer for the subsidy paperwork unless the state isn't adhearing to their subsidy rules (ones from the website).

Let me know if you have any more questions.

-LeenaB