Adoption and Guardianship Assistance - New Hampshire
What specific factors or conditions does your State consider to determine that a child cannot be placed with an adoptive family without providing financial assistance? ("What is your State definition of special needs?")
For the child to be eligible for an adoption subsidy all of the following conditions shall apply:
- Under 18 years of age
- Legally free for adoption or in the process of being legally freed for adoption
- Deemed "hard-to-place" because of physical or other reasons including, but not limited to:
- At least 6 years old, if age is the only criteria
- Member of a minority group
- Part of a sibling group, or joining a sibling
- Documented physical, mental, or emotional handicapping condition
- At risk of physical, mental, or emotional disability, based on birth family history, prenatal factors, or more than two adverse childhood experiences
What is the maximum amount a family may receive in non-recurring adoption expenses from your State? (Adoptive parents can receive reimbursement of certain approved, "one-time" adoption expenses incurred in the process of finalizing a special needs adoption.)
$2,000 per child
Does your State enter into deferred adoption assistance agreements? (In some States, adoptive parents can enter into an agreement in which they choose to defer the receipt of a Medicaid card, the monthly monetary payment, or both and can elect to receive the Medicaid card and/or monetary payment at another time.)
New Hampshire offers deferred adoption assistance.
When can adoption assistance payments and benefits begin in your State?
Adoption assistance payments and benefits may begin in New Hampshire at placement.
How are changes made to the adoption assistance agreement in your State?
- When can a parent request a change in the adoption assistance agreement?
- How does a parent request a change in the adoption assistance agreement?
- What if a parent does not receive the change they request in the adoption assistance agreement?
Adoptive parents can make a request to change the adoption assistance agreement at any time. Requests can be made to the adoption program supervisor, in writing, documenting the need for a change. Requests for change should be based on a change in the circumstances of the family or the needs of the child and each request is considered on an individual basis. If the parent disagrees with the decision on the requested change, he/she has the right to request an appeal of the decision and seek a fair hearing.
What types of postadoption services are available in your State, and how do you find out more about them?
Postadoption services in New Hampshire are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division for Children, Youth and Families. Information on postadoption services and related contacts may be found on the DHHS website.
New Hampshire partners with Granite State College for a university-based service that provides training for foster and adoptive families three or four times annually on a range of subjects, including attachment issues, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and developmental disability.
Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate New Hampshire's respite programs.
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact the adoption program supervisor or post adoption services contact for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
What mental health services are provided by your State?
Behavioral Health Services for children in New Hampshire are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and include the following examples: inpatient hospitalization, psychotherapy, social work counseling, mental health services, pastoral counseling, prescription drugs, and respite care.
Medicaid offers comprehensive coverage, including in-patient and out-patient hospital services, doctor visits, home health care, eye care, psychological services, certain dental procedures, etc. A complete listing of benefits can be obtained from a DHHS District Office or by calling Medicaid Client Services .
Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or medical assistance specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.
Does your State provide additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under your State medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance?
New Hampshire does not offer additional finances or services for medical or therapeutic needs not covered under their state medical plan to children receiving adoption assistance. New Hampshire adoption assistance staff will assist families in obtaining other available resources.
What is your State's process for applying for a fair hearing? (A fair hearing is a legal, administrative procedure that provides a forum to address disagreements with agency decisions.)
Adoptive parents may appeal, within 30 days, any decision by the Division for Children, Youth and Family that affects their child’s adoption assistance benefits. Appeals relative to a decision or the termination or failure to renew the adoption assistance may be made upon written request to the Administrative Appeals Unit:
Administrative Appeals Unit
Department of Health and Human Services
Hugh Gallen State Office Complex
105 Pleasant Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Phone: (603) 271-4292
Does your state, territory, or tribe offer a guardianship subsidy or assistance (monthly payments and medical coverage) program?
New Hampshire does not have a guardianship assistance program but the Bureau of Family Assistance assists needy children who are being cared for by relatives such as grandparents. This program can provide cash assistance as well as Medicaid.
If a specific question is not displayed, the State or Territory did not provide a response to that question.