[Havyn]

We have been selected to adopt a medically fragile child from WA state. Yea!!! We know we are going to get a subsidy and he will be eligible for SSI, but what other kinds of help can we expect or should we ask for from WA? When they do Purchase of Service, does that mean they will pay for the cost of your homestudy in addition to contracting with your state's agency for post-placement services? They would also like us to fly out to WA two or three times before placement. One to get to know him, one to be trained in his care and then the last trip, to bring him home. Who should pay for the airfair and lodging? We have some money put away, but certainly not enough to pay for 2 or 3 trips to WA, food and lodging. Anybody that has done a special needs adoption out-of-state have any insight for me?

[lambeausam]

I can't answer any of your questions, but thought I might offer a suggestion for lodging. If you are involved in a church, synagogue, etc. talk to your priest/minister and see if there is a church in the child's area that has a family that would agree to hosting you for your visits. Not only would it be less expensive, but you would be in a home instead of a hotel room.

[lucyjoy]

Some states pay travel, some don't. Ask. Be sure to write in your subsidy agreement future medical needs not covered by insurance, reimbursement for ambulance expense, Any special equipment the child has that will need to be replaced as he grows or equipment he may need due to his condition that he doesn't have already. Any physical therapy he needs and medical respite care.

[mckenna]

i have no adivice for you but am excited that you are matched!

[Havyn]

Our social worker is planning on working out the details and letting us know what they come up with. She came up with lots of things I hadn't thought of yet and so did some of you! ) Thank you!

The lodging situation I may have covered. I am part of a nationwide dog rescue group and one of our WA volunteers has offered to put my husband and myself up at her house if needed. She is about 45 minutes away from where our new little boy is. I am so grateful for her offer, especially since we have never met face-to-face before! People can be so good sometimes!!

[Indy]

I adopted one of my sons from WA. I found them to very helpful and supportive. Make sure to request as a part of the subsidy respite care. You will thank me in the years to come. It was a part of our package.

I had to travel to WA once. Then the state flew my son to IN with a counselor for 5 days. I paid my way out. The state paid for the trip for them to come out. Then when I went to pick him up for the last time, the state paid in advance the entire trip. After the adoption was complete, I was paid back the money that I had spent on my visit to WA. I was also reimbursed for the home study and other expenses (legal), up to $2000.

Good luck!