Adoption assistance reduces financial obstacles to adoption. The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (96-272) provided the first Federal subsidies to encourage the adoption of children from the nation's foster care system. This section provides resources to help obtain adoption assistance and other financial supports for which children may be eligible, including college scholarships, vocational education, and tuition waivers.
Adoption Assistance by State
Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (AAICAMA) & Child Welfare Information Gateway
Answers questions on States' adoption assistance policies, medical assistance, and postadoption services.
US Adoption Assistance/Subsidy
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Offers profiles for State subsidy programs, a summary of State adoption assistance programs, factsheets, and information about the adoption tax credit.
National Foster Care & Adoption Directory
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides contact information for each State's Adoption Assistance contact and other State-level foster care and adoption officials. Select the State and click on the box next to "State Foster Care and Adoption Officials" to access the Adoption Assistance contact person. Download the NFCAD mobile app.
Understanding Adoption Subsidies: An Analysis of AFCARS Data
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (2005)
Examines how States use adoption subsidies to achieve goals of permanency and well-being for children.