Adoption and Guardianship Assistance by State

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

The adoption and guardianship assistance database provides summaries of State policies on available programs and services in each State. State guardianship assistance policies included in this web section are based on a national survey conducted by AdoptUSkids and related research.

Select one of two options:

A) Select a State to view questions/answers regarding State policies on adoption and guardianship 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 this information is comprehensive and up-to-date, further 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.

Links to adoption, postadoption, and guardianship assistance resources are listed below:

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

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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.

Adoption Assistance

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?")

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.)

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.)

When can adoption assistance payments and benefits begin in your State?

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

Post Adoption Services

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

Medical Assistance

What mental health services are provided by your State?

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

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.)

Guardianship Assistance

Does your state, territory, or tribe offer a guardianship subsidy or assistance (monthly payments and medical coverage) program?

What are the eligibility criteria for a child to receive guardianship assistance?

Do families have to meet a kinship definition to receive guardianship assistance? If yes, how is kinship defined?