[Susan Kierson]

I am a treatment foster parent in Maryland with two children that have been long term placements. I am interested in adopting my children but have been unsuccessful due to the lack of ongoing supports for them. I also find DSS quite challenging to work with in fostering them. I am interested in meeting other foster parents who have children with severe disabilities or who are medically fragile.I am also interested in meeting any adoptive parents who have been successful in negotiating an appropriate subsidy through age 18 and beyond

[Michal]

Adoption subsidies end at age 21, and under some circumstances at 18 (when children are not disabled or in school, that sort of thing.) I believe that when the subsidy ceases, anyone over 18 can apply for SSI as a family unit of one. If you are referring to children with a disability, they are likely to become SSI eligible.

[aMarylandfamily]

We were residents of Southern MD until Spring '04 and do know of a family there who is very frustrated with the adoption programs sponsored through DSS as they leave the children, such as those placed with them for both short and long-term foster care, in the system too long.

If you are close, I can see if she/they would be willing to connect up with you. Any advocate in adoption is a welcome one!

[Michal]

My impression is that Maryland is a state that is more sympathetic to bio parents than others, and the Courts are reluctant to change the plan to adoption. Without the Court's sanction, DSS cannot proceed.

With respect to subsidy, Maryland does offer a post-adopt subsidy for medically fragile children that may equal the treatment foster parent reimbursement. This allows parents to purchase the services they may need. How do biological parents make it!!!