[andrews777]

When we adopted our children (a sibling group of 4) several years ago, we had a state/county subsidy. I did not like having to annually write how "bad" my children were to keep getting the subsidy, and when economic times looked good a few years back I declined any further subsidies.

Now that we are hitting the teen years, and some significant issues, I realize how shortsighted that decision was.

Does anyone know of anything I could do to reverse this "irreversable" decision?

Brad

[lucyjoy]

Sometimes. I'm not in your state so it depends on if they recently changed any laws(ours did). Did you ingnore the annual request or did you say that that was not needed at this time?
Have you asked in writing to have the subsidy reinstated? Start there and then if it's denied, ask for the appeal process paperwork. If that doesn't work, Tim o'Hoanlon has some books on subsidy. one is called "Accessing Federal Adoption Subsidy After Legalization."

One thing you could point out is that it is not uncommon for children who were adopted after abuse to repeat their behavior problems during their teen years(especially if they were sexually abused). Hormones can really jumble things up.

[andrews777]

I explicitely wrote them requesting it be cancelled. Yes it doesn't seem so bright now, but....

The birth parents were married when the state took custody, so we got a state subsidy and not a federal one.

I will check out that book though.

Thanks!

Brad

[mkferrel]

Hi I was just looking through the posting and ran arcross yours just for input I work for franklin county and if you indicate no need for a subsidy at that time the agency should have taken your agreement to 0$. According to the OAC rule a family has a right to re negoitate the subsidy at any time. If you had the subsidy terminated or you are over income then it won't help.

[andrews777]

Thanks for the input.

I foolishly (in retrospect) terminated the subsidy a while back. I should have just declined it for the time, or actually just kept it and put the money aside.

We are hitting a load of issues no one clued us into at the time (severe attachment disorder that was probably present from the start) as the oldest two hit the later teenage years. I do wish I had really understood those and I probably would have done differently. :/

Brad

[mkferrel]

I do not know what county you live in but there is the PASSS Program that can help you pay for Attachment and Bonding (Dr. Keck), therapy, counseling, medical needs that can not be covered by other resources. The Program is closed currently but will reopen 7-1-04. The State is revising it for the next fiscal year and the new rule will be available to the 88 counties by the end of June. If you would like the info at that time you can call me at Franklin County Children Services at 614-341-6035.

I hope it can help you some what.

[andrews777]

Unfortunately I moved to Texas 7 years ago, so none of those programs apply to me since they don't go out of state (according to what I have been told). Texas' similar provisions only cover those adopted in Texas.

My second oldest (my oldest son) ran away 2 weeks ago, after some other tough times, so the problem has "resolved itself" in some manner, though something far from desirable. My oldest daughter will turn 18 next January, so I would drop from most eligibility after that anyway. She is working through some major issues herself, but hopefully we can have enough input to get her reasonably set for life.

Brad

[mkferrel]

You are to be commended for the home and life you have provided to children that might not of had a chance experience a good home. As parent we all ask our selves what could we have done differently? But it normally isn't anything we have done but that our children choose to make diferent choices for themselves and learn life the hard way. I greatly appreciate adoptive parents and the time and love they give their children.

I have a nephew that was adopted in 1978, and I hope that the family he was matched with was as dedicated as your family.

If at any time you would need assistance if you return to Ohio please feel free to contact me for any adoption issues I would be glad to help.

Melinda

[andrews777]

Thanks Melinda.

It is times like this that stretch your dedication.

But God has been faithful. I do know the oldest have made it farther than their birth parents did, so that is at least one plus.

Brad