Adoption and Guardianship Assistance by State

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

Alabama

Postadoption services in Alabama are administered by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) through contract with outside agencies. Known as the Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) program, APAC is a collaborative effort between Children's Aid Society and DHR. Services are provided through four locations statewide: Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. For more information, visit the APAC website or call 1.866.803.2722.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Alabama's respite programs.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases or in all areas. Contact APAC for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Alaska

Post-adoption services in Alaska are administered by the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Children's Services (OCS) and provided by contract through private agencies or independently through private and parent organizations.

Families who are a part of Alaska’s adoption assistance program are referred to a private agency when the families enter into an adoption assistance agreement with the State. The Alaska Center for Resource Families (ACRF) is available to provide postadoption and adoption preservation services. ACRF, a project of Northwest Resource Associates funded by the State of Alaska, DHSS OCS offers a central location for postadoption and State contact information. Contact information for regional offices is available on the ACRF website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Alaska's respite programs.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or post adoption services specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Arizona

Post adoption services in Arizona are administered by the Department of Economic Security and through private agencies. The following private organizations provide support and information to adoptive families:

Aid to Adoption of Special Kids
Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Arizona’s Children Association
For more information, contact the appropriate Adoption Subsidy Unit.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Arizona's respite programs.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or post adoption services contact for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Arkansas

Post adoption services in Arkansas are administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) through DCFS contracted agencies and parent organizations.

For more information, visit the DCFS Post Adoption Resources webpage.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Arkansas' respite programs.

California

Post Adoption Services (PAS) in California are administered by individual counties. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) lists county contact information. In addition, the County Welfare Directors Association website includes links to county websites.

The CDSS, through its Adoptions Services Bureau (ASB) district offices also provides postadoption services to the adoptive families who reside in the counties served by the ASB . For more information, you may also call 916.651.8089.

External organizations also provide post adoption support services and many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate California’s respite programs.

Colorado

Colorado post adoption services are administered through the parents’ county of residence Department of Human/Social Services or the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Welfare Services and offered through the Colorado Post Adoption Resource Center, parent groups, and contracted organizations.

The following nonprofit organizations in Colorado are dedicated to adoption:

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Colorado’s respite programs or phone them at: 303.866.3003.

Connecticut

Post adoption services in Connecticut are overseen by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Bureau of Adoption and Interstate Compact Services. The Adoption Assistance Program is a confidential assessment, education, brief counseling, and referral service available to adoptive and guardianship families, and to professionals seeking support for their client families.

The adoption subsidy unit works in collaboration with the Adoption Assistance Program, managed by the University of Connecticut Health Center and receives direct referrals to provide a variety of supportive services. Families can call the program directly for support, referral, and other related resources at 1.877.679.1961 or via email aap@uchc.edu.

Within available appropriations, services from the department's Voluntary Services Program may be requested by adoptive families. To access postadoption services, adoptive families must self-refer through the agency's careline at 1.800.842.2288. More information is available through DCF area offices.

Casey Family Services provides post adoption support services in New England.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Connecticut’s respite programs.

Delaware

Post adoption services in Delaware are administered by Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) through contracted agencies.

A Better Chance for Our Children provides post-adoption services to children and families statewide.

For emergency help for a child's emotional problem call 1-800-969-HELP.

Adoptive families can call Delaware 211 for information and support services.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Delaware’s respite programs.

District of Columbia

Postadoption services in the District of Columbia are offered through the Post Permanency Family Center (PPFC), a partnership of Adoptions Together and the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) adoption program. The Center can assist families in the District of Columbia in finding supportive community resources in such areas as mental health, parenting, emergency services, public health, academic support, and adoption assistance. The Center can be contacted at 202.526.4802.

PPFC provides comprehensive support, training, and therapy for families who have achieved or are working towards the guardianship or adoption of District children. In addition, The Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center, an independent advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of children from the DC foster system, offers further resources on its website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate the District of Columbia's respite programs.

Florida

Post adoption services in Florida are administered by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Family Safety and Preservation Program Office. The DCFS and contracted agencies provide various services, depending on location. Statewide, adoptive families are directed to contact their adoption assistance worker, the county Department of Children and Families or the unit through which they finalized the adoption. See Post Adoption Support.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Florida’s respite programs.

Georgia

Postadoption services in Georgia are administered by the Department of Human Services through the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Office of Adoptions and community resources. Each county department has a local listing that adoptive families may call. For more information regarding postadoption services, families may contact their county DCFS case manager, the adoption assistance case manager, or the Social Services Administration Unit.

Each county department has a local listing that adoptive families may call. In addition, a toll free number for the Georgia Center for Adoption Resources and Support is available to all adoptive families and will provide them with information relating to resources, support groups, local and statewide adoption related activities. The number for the resource center is 1.866.A.Parent (1.866.272.7368).

In addition, adoptive parents can contact the Georgia Center for Resources & Support for information about resources, support groups, and local and statewide adoption-related activities at 1.866.A.Parent (1.866.272.7368).

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Georgia’s respite programs.

Hawaii

Postadoption services in Hawaii are administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and contracted through outside agencies. Parents can access postadoption services on their own or through DHS. Respite is not provided through the adoption assistance program.

It Takes an Ohama, a part of Family Programs Hawaii’s, offers resources and responsible advocacy information to those in the community concerned with protecting the interests of children and youth in out-of-home care.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Hawaii’s respite programs.

Idaho

Postadoption services are provided within available resources. Children with negotiated adoption assistance agreements, whether from Idaho or from another State, are eligible for any services available to Idaho children. International adoptees residing in Idaho are also eligible for any services available to Idaho children under the Inter-Country Adoption of 200 (P.L. 106-279).

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is organized into seven regions, each region serving several counties. Postadoption services are arranged through contact with the regional Children and Family Services offices or at the State adoption assistance office in Boise, ID. On the DHW website, Idaho foster and adoptive families will find specific resources including a list of multiple programs and services available to children and families.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Idaho's respite programs.

Illinois

Postadoption services in Illinois are administered by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and through several State-funded, State-contracted, and family organizations. Regional contact information can be found on the DCFS website.

The Midwest Adoption Center offers search and reunion services.

Both Prospective and Adoptive Parents may contact the Illinois' Statewide Post Adoption toll-free number by dialing: 1-866-538-8892 or 312-808-5250. See also the Illinois Post Adoption and Guardianship Services publication.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Illinois' respite programs.

Indiana

For postadoption services information, families must contact the adoption consultant in the region where they live or call 1-888-25-ADOPT. The adoption consultant can complete a referral to the service provider so that the family may receive an assessment and create a service delivery plan.

Additional resources are available on the Indiana Adoption Program website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Indiana's respite programs.

Iowa

Post adoption services in Iowa are administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) for children receiving adoption assistance. Services offered include assistance with behavior management plans; crisis intervention; advocacy for the family and child with schools, service providers, and DHS; developing service goals to help stabilize the child and family; and supporting the family’s relationship with birth family or kin. Services may be provided in the family’s home and at no cost to the family. Families are eligible if they receive adoption assistance.

The Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (IFAPA), offers programs and resources to support foster, adoptive and kinship parents in Iowa through its Resource and Information Specialist (RIS) Program. Families can access services by contacting their local DHS office.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Iowa's respite programs.

Note: Not all services may be available in all areas of the state. Contact your adoption assistance worker or post adoption services specialist for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

Kansas

The Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center is a project provided by the collaboration of the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Adopt Kansas Kids. The projected is dedicated to strengthening adoptive families.

Aftercare services are provided through KVC Behavioral HealthCare, Inc. Aftercare treatment is offered for 1 year following reintegration, permanent custodianship, or finalization of adoption. All families can access services on an as-needed basis in their home communities via the regional DCF office.

Access free training for foster/adoptive parents on the Children’s Alliance website. For additional resources, contact the Kansas Children’s Service League.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Kansas' respite programs.

Kentucky

Post adoption services in Kentucky are administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), and largely contracted through outside agencies.

Kentucky has several resources related to postadoption. For more information, adoptive families may contact their CHFS regional Office or the Kentucky Foster and Adoptive Parent Training Support Network.

Parents may explore the Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP): Supporting Services website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Kentucky's respite programs.

Louisiana

Post-adoption services in Louisiana are administered by the Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare Division.

Family services, which include in-home services, are available on a voluntary basis upon request and are administered through the county Child Welfare offices. Refer to the Department of Children and Family Services directory of all Child Welfare Division offices statewide.

Additionally, several parent organizations offer adoption support services such as the Louisiana Foster & Adoptive Parent Association.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Louisiana's respite programs.

Maine

Some of the postadoption services in Maine are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through an eight-district system of DHHS and parent-sponsored programs. Other agencies also provide such services to adoptive families.

Maine's philosophy is that adoption is a lifelong experience and the needs of the adoptive family change over time. Children placed through DHHS, who have their permanency needs met through adoption, should have access to ongoing support through information and resources, as needed, throughout their lives. Agency services should remain available to adoptive families after legalization of adoption upon request of the adoptive family and as resources permit.

A listing of resources and services available can be found on the DHHS website.

Other organizations that offer post adoption assistance are:

Respite services may be available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine Family Respite Program.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Maine's respite programs.

Maryland

Postadoption services in Maryland are administered by the Department of Human Resources, Social Services Administration, through its local offices.

The purpose of the Post Adoption Permanency Program is to provide postadoption assistance in the form of services to children adopted through a public agency or a licensed private agency and their adoptive families. A local department shall notify families of the availability of postadoption support services during the adoption orientation process. Upon the request of an adoptive parent for available postadoption support services, the local department of social services shall conduct a clinical assessment of the needs of the child and the adoptive family and determine whether the adopted child is in need of postadoption support services not available from other resources, develop a plan, and recommend services.

Upon submission of the proposed support services plan, the executive director or designee shall determine whether to approve the service plan and the funding necessary to implement the plan. The administration shall notify the local department of the status of the proposed service plan within 15 days of receipt of the service plan request. Funds available for the provision of postadoption support services shall be limited to the maximum amount established by the Maryland General Assembly and provided during a fixed year until allocated funds are expended.

Post-adoption services are detailed in the Code of Maryland Regulations .

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Maryland's respite programs .

Massachusetts

A number of post-adoption support services are available to children and parents in Massachusetts through Child & Family Services’ Adoption Journeys program Adoption Journeys services guide, including:

Regional Response Team — A team leader, response worker, and parent liaison who can provide emergency support and advice to families
Support Groups — Groups for both parents and kids meet monthly around the state
Liaisons — Connections for families, parents, or children to someone else who’s shared their experience
Respite — Preplanned care and activities to help strengthen family bonds, give family members support or time off, or build friendships with others in their community

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Massachusetts' respite programs.

Michigan

Post-adoption services in Michigan are administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Children’s Services Administration, and through contracted agencies and parent organizations.

For information related to post adoption resources, please visit the postadoption parent resources on the DHHS website.

Postadoption resource centers provide individuals under the age of 21 who were adopted from Michigan's foster care system or who were adopted in Michigan through an international adoption or direct consent/direct placement adoption and their families with support, education, training, advocacy, information, service coordination, and case management services. Services are also available to children under the age of 18 who were placed in guardianship from Michigan's foster care system and who are eligible for Michigan's guardianship assistance program.

DHHS has eight Post Adoption Resource Centers (PARC) for families who have adopted children from the Michigan public child welfare system. Find support in your area on the: DHHS website.

The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), funded by DHHS, is also a resource for families. See at: The MARE.

Support groups also offer adoption support services. The following are examples of support groups available in Michigan:

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by State to locate Michigan's respite programs.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) contracts with agencies to provide permanency support services to help families support and care for children and youth in adoptive placements.

The MN ADOPT HELP program, under contract with DHS, assists individuals and families involved or interested in adoption with an array of services. The HELP Program offers short-term intervention and support services for adoptive families in crisis. It also connects adoptive families to a system of statewide therapists and mental health professionals and streamlines the referral and payment process to get immediate assistance. For more information about adoption support, training, and referral, contact MN ADOPT by calling 1.855.670.HELP or 612.746.5137.

The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC), also under contract with DHS, helps adoptive families by offering a range of services. For more information, contact NACAC at 651.646.5082.

DHS contracts with the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the University of Minnesota to subsidize the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) program. You may access the PACC Professional Directory to search for adoption-competent providers. DHS also contracts with the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the University of Minnesota to subsidize the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC) program. You may access the PACC Professional Directory to search for adoption-competent providers.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Minnesota's respite programs.

Mississippi

Post adoption services in Mississippi are administered by the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services county departments of human services and through organizations such as the Mississippi Heart Gallery, Families First and Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Mississippi's respite programs.

Missouri

Postadoption services can be accessed by contacting the local Adoption Resource Center or adoption subsidy worker with the Children’s Division. Other resources include:

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Missouri's respite programs.

Montana

Postadoption services are available to families who adopt children through the Montana Child and Family Services (CFS). For information, contact the appropriate CFS local office.

Postadoption services requests should be referred to the regional Permanency Planning Specialist who will assess the situation and work with the family.

Funding for respite services may be available through the Lifespan Respite Grant; applications are available through the Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition .

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Montana's respite programs.

Nebraska

Postadoption services in Nebraska are administered by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) through contracted agencies and parent organizations.

The Nebraska Children Home Society's Families Forever supports families who have adopted a child or entered into a guardianship in Nebraska. As a referral-based service for postadoptive and guardianship families, this program is committed to providing support for families, children, kinship caregivers, grandparents, adoptive families, and foster parents with access to community resources, support groups, and ongoing educational opportunities.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Nebraska's respite programs .

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your adoption assistance worker or the adoption specialist at 402.471.9331 for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

NCHS

Nevada

Post-adoption services in Nevada are administered by the Nevada Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Division of Child & Family Services and separately through private agencies and parent groups.

The postadoption section of the DHHS website lists the addresses and telephone numbers for the public and private adoption agencies in Nevada and information on parent support groups, resources for special needs children, adoptive search organizations, and other issues involving adoption can be found on this page. Additional information maybe found in Guide to Adoption in Nevada - Subsidized Adoption Assistance Program for Special Needs Children.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate : Nevada's respite programs.

New Hampshire

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.

New Jersey

Postadoption services in New Jersey are administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Adoption Operations, primarily through contracted, nonprofit agencies. The New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearinghouse provides families with direct access to information and services through the Internet or by phone (1-877-427-2465).

More information may be found in the New Jersey Guide to Post Adoption Resources.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate New Jersey's respite programs.

New Mexico

Postadoption services in New Mexico are administered by the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), Protective Services Division, through CYFD and private and parent organizations.

State funds are used to provide needed postadoption services not covered under the State’s Medicaid program. Local placement services social workers are available to adoptive families to discuss resources and provide information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services. Adoption assistance does not pay for respite but there are many private organizations that do offer a variety of respite options.

Additional information about the CYFD post-adoption services and related contacts may be found on the Heart Gallery of New Mexico website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate , link: New Mexico's respite programs.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your local placement services social worker for information regarding process, eligibility, availability, and duration of services.

New York

Postadoption services in New York are provided by the local social services district or a voluntary authorized agency whose services have been purchased by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) or the local social services district in which the adoptive parents reside. Information about New York postadoption services is provided on the OCFS website: Post Adoption Help for Families.

New York has numerous adoption support organizations. See the following organizations for post adoption service information:

Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition
Families together in New York State

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: New York's respite programs.

Note: Not all services may be available in all cases. Contact your local adoption assistance worker or local post adoption services contact for information regarding process, eligibility, availability and duration of services.

North Carolina

Post adoption services in North Carolina are administered through the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services and private and family organizations.

Contact the department of social services in the county of residency or the State Adoption Assistance Specialist for questions about availability of and access to services.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate North Carolina's respite programs.

North Dakota

North Dakota offers a program called the North Dakota Post Adopt Network which is contracted through the Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) Program. The program is a collaborative effort of Catholic Charities North Dakota. New adoptive families receive a personal contact at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the finalization of their adoption to see if there are any outstanding needs for services or support.

Families apply for postadoption services through their local county social service or regional human service center offices and may also contact the Post Adoption network via email: postadopt@pathinc.org!.

Contact information for the North Dakota regional human services centers is available on the NDDHS website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate North Dakota's respite programs.

Ohio

State Adoption Maintenance Subsidy (SAMS) program provides financial assistance to families based on children’s special needs at the time of the adoptive placement. Application for SAMS must be made prior to the final decree of adoption. Once an adoption has been finalized, a child will not be eligible for SAMS but may be eligible for Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS), a program designed to assist eligible families, after adoption finalization, to receive allowable services. PASSS provides funding to families for the reasonable costs of services to address a child’s physical, developmental, mental, or emotional handicap or condition. Specific information is available on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website,Office of Children and Family Services. Applications for assistance are reviewed by a review committee and can be approved in whole or in part based on the needs of the child and the circumstances of the adoptive family.

If assistance is not granted or is not granted in the amount requested, adoptive parents can request a fair hearing. See the Ohio’s Adoption Guidefor more information.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Ohio's respite programs.

Oklahoma

Post-adoption services in Oklahoma are administered by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), Children and Family Services Division and private and parent groups.

One Church, One Child of Oklahoma is a nationally recognized special recruitment program designed to find parents for African-American children who need permanent homes. One Church, One Child of Oklahoma is sponsored by DHS in partnership with the One Church, One Child statewide Ministerial Advisory Council. Contact One Church, One Child of Oklahoma by phone: 800.865.0225 via this contact form.

For more information, please find your Post Adoption Services worker in the Post Adoption Key Personnel list.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate: Oklahoma's respite programs.

Oregon

Adoptive families residing in Oregon have access to the Oregon Post-Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC) which provides information/referral services, support/advocacy to adoptive families, training, and a lending library of books, videos and audiotapes. For more information, please contact ORPARC by phone (1-800-764-8367) or via e-mail: orparc@nwresource.org.

Parents of adopted children residing in Oregon can reach the local child welfare office intake unit to request voluntary services to help support the adoptive placement. Contact information for local offices is available on the Department of Human Services website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Oregon's respite programs.

Pennsylvania

Postadoption services are available through the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children, Youth and Families, and through the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN).

Eligibility is open to all adoptive, kinship, and permanent legal custodian placements from the child welfare system. Families may self refer for SWAN post-permanency services by calling 1.800.585.SWAN (7926) or visiting the SWAN website. Eligibility is open to all adoptive, kinship, and permanent legal custodian placements from the child welfare system. Families may self refer for SWAN post-permanency services by calling 1.800.585.SWAN (7926) or visiting the SWAN website.

More postadoption information and resources are available from the following DHS affiliate agencies:

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Pennsylvania's respite programs.

Rhode Island

Postadoption services in Rhode Island are administered and provided by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Division of Family Services, and through community services and parent organizations. If an adoptive parent has questions regarding adoption assistance, the Permanency Services Unit is available to help the family, including assisting with referrals for community services. DCYF provides many of the same services to families adopting older/special needs children as would be provided by private adoption agencies. Information may be found on the Adoption Rhode Island website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Rhode Island's respite programs.

South Carolina

Post-adoption services in South Carolina are available through the Department of Social Services (DSS), private agencies, and family organizations. DSS has contracted with the South Carolina Foster Parent Association to provide services such as information, referrals, and training for adoptive parents.

South Carolina has an Adoption Preservation (AP) program to serve adoptive families. AP services primarily consist of linking families to existing resources, case management, support services, and counseling.

A State agency known as South Carolina Protection and Advocacy also helps adoptive families manage systemic issues.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate South Carolina's respite programs.

South Dakota

Post adoption services in South Dakota are administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Child Protection Services (CPS) through DSS, contracted agencies, and parent groups.

South Dakota has contracted with the Children’s Home Society to provide evaluations and therapy for adopted children and their families. To access postadoption services, adoptive families should contact the adoption unit at 605.773.3227.

Respite care is also available through the Post Adoption Contract with Children’s Home Society at 605.334.6004 or through a contract with the Division of Human Services at 1.800.265.9684.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by State to locate South Dakota's respite programs.

Tennessee

Post adoption services in Tennessee are administered by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) through DCS, private agencies, and parent groups.

DCS currently provides targeted case management services through the Family Support Services program to any family with a child at risk of entering State custody. The Adoption Support And Preservation (ASAP) program and the Guardianship Support and Preservation Program (GSAP) are designed to support and promote a family's success on every level and at every stage of the adoption and guardianship journey. Families may contact the ASAP/GSAP Helpline by calling 1.888.848.2727 to request services or to learn more about the program. Parents can also contact the Adoption Services Unit for information at (877) 327-5437.

Various parent and private organizations such as the Tennessee Foster Adoptive Care Associationprovide support to adoptive families.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Tennessee's respite programs.

Texas

Postadoption services in Texas are overseen by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) through contracts with outside agencies.

Availability of services is dependent on funding and the individual child and family situation. Access to postadoption services is made through referral. DFPS workers provide the postadoption provider/contractor’s name, address, and/or telephone number in the adoptive family’s region and are usually no longer involved after referral, unless needed. The postadoption program is contracted by region. Specific information about postadoption services, regional contacts, service providers, and liaisons is available on the DFPS website

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Texas' respite programs.

Utah

The Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) offers postadoption services for families who have adopted a child from foster care or who have been involved with DCFS. Postadoption services in Utah are administered by DCFS through contracted agencies and parent organizations. Postadoption workers have a working knowledge of community resources that may help adoptive families with their specific situations.

Utah partners with the Utah’s Adoption Connection for many services.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Utah's respite programs.

Vermont

Postadoption services such as parent education, referral to community resources, treatment team consultation, support groups, training opportunities, and more are available to help adoptive families. Postadoption services in Vermont can be accessed through the Vermont Consortium for Adoption and Guardianship, an association of agencies and groups from around the State with the common goal of supporting Vermont's guardian and adoptive families.

Project Family is a partnership between the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Lund (Vermont’s largest and oldest nonprofit adoption agency). More information may be found on the Vermont Department for Children and Families website or by contacting Project Family at 1-800-746-7000.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Vermont's respite programs.

Virginia

Postadoption services in Virginia are administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) .

Virginia also offers post-adoption services to support families, such as NewFound Families Virginia, Center for Adoption and Support (C.A.S.E), DePaul Community Resources and UMFS.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Virginia's respite programs.

Washington

Post adoption services focus primarily on the provision of Adoption Assistance and medical and dental coverage through Provider One, the Washington State Medicaid Provider and/or Coordinated Care of Washington-Apple Health Coordinated Care. Adoption support program consultants are available to assist adoptive families in locating additional post adoption services as needed. A list of adoption support program consultants is available on the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families website .

Adoptive Parents may also reach the office responsible for their adoption support agreement by calling 1-800-562-5682. Parents may also refer to the Department of Social and Health Services’ publication Post Adoption Services Questions and Answers for further information.

Adoptive parents may also contact the office responsible for their adoption support agreement by calling 1.800.562.5682.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Washington's respite programs.

West Virginia

Postadoption services in West Virginia, referred to as adoption preservation services, are administered by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Children and Families, and contracted through the Administrative Service Organization system. Many counties also provide foster/adopt support groups and can pair new adoptive families with more tenured adoptive families for support and advice. For a list of adoption preservation services providers, adoptive parents may contact their adoption assistance worker, home finder, adoption specialist, or the county Bureau for Children and Families office .

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate West Virginia's respite programs.

Wisconsin

Post adoption services in Wisconsin are administered by the Division of Children and Families (DCF), through the Wisconsin Adoption and Permanency Support (WiAPS) Program, previously known as the Post Adoption Resource Centers, located throughout the State.

Adoptive parents may access contact information for the closest WiAPS program on the DCF website.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Wisconsin's respite programs.

Wyoming

Postadoption services in Wyoming are administered by the Department of Family Services, Protective Services Division, through DFS contracted agencies and parent/private organizations.

Many private organizations offer a variety of respite options. See the ARCH National Respite Network Respite Locator Service, search by state to locate Wyoming's respite programs.