Adoption Assistance by State

Adoption assistance programs are designed to help parents afford the costs associated with raising eligible children and youth in foster care who have special needs. Benefits vary by State but commonly include monthly cash payments, medical assistance, and nonrecurring adoption expenses, among others.

The adoption assistance database provides summaries of State policies on available programs and services in each State.

Select one of two options:

A) Select a State to view questions/answers regarding State policies on adoption assistance and postadoption services.

B) Select a question to find out how it is addressed across all States.

Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information included in the adoption assistance database is accurate and current, additional details may be found in State statutes, State administrative code, and/or State agency websites. These resources can be accessed through our State Statutes Search by selecting: Links to State and Tribal Child Welfare Law and Policy. If you are aware of any changes to existing policy, please contact Information Gateway.

Other adoption and postadoption assistance programs and resources include:

State Guides and Manuals Search
Postadoption and Permanency Support Services
State Adoption Assistance Specialists
State Adoption Information Websites
State Foster/Adoptive Family Associations/Coalitions
National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search (for contact information for adoption- related support groups in each State)
Adoption Costs and Sources of Financial Support

Option A: Select a State
Select a state to view answers to 13 questions regarding State adoption assistance.

Submit Your Search (Required)
Select the "GO!" button to conduct your search.

Option B: Select a Question
Select a question below to find out how all States address the issue. You may select only one question at a time.

Who is Eligible for Adoption Assistance?

1. 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?")

2. What are the eligibility criteria for your State-funded adoption assistance program?

3. 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.)

4. 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.)

5. When may adoption assistance payments and benefits begin in your State?

6. How are changes made to the adoption assistance agreement in your State?

Post Adoption Services
7. What types of postadoption services are available in your State, and how do you find out more about them?

Medical Assistance
8. What mental health services are provided by your State?

9. 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?

Fair Hearings
10. 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.)

Web/Internet Links
11. What is your State Web address for general adoption information?

12. What is your State Web address for adoption assistance information?

13. What is your State Web address for State-specific medical assistance information for children?