Adoption Subsidies

 Posted on June 30, 2013 in Child Custody and Support

Adoption is a wonderful thing that brings people together as a family. From infant to teenager, families increase in love and support through adoption. Some children, however, have special needs and/or circumstances that make the adoption more difficult. There are children who are legally under the protection of a part of the government (DCFS), known as wards, and some that are not. Ward children may get some sort of subsidy because of their needs.

There are five ways a child can qualify for an adoption subsidy if they are not under the control of DCFS.

1. A child may qualify if they were determined to be qualified for Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) prior to their adoption. These children do not need to be adopted through a non-profit adoption agency.
2. Children whose adoptive parents receive subsidies remain eligible even if they are adopted again, if, for example, the adoptive parents pass away and another family member adopts the child.
3. Children whose adoptive parents receive subsidies and give up their parental rights are also still eligible.
4. If a child is voluntarily given up to a non-profit adoption agency and the following requirements are met, they can be eligible: 1) The child is given up, 2) There is a petition to the court requesting the child is removed from the home within six months, and 3) It is determined that remaining in the home would not have been in the child's best interest.
5. If a minor child who is a ward of DCFS has a baby who meets the special needs criteria, and the minor parent voluntarily gives the child to a non-profit adoption agency, the baby is subsidy eligible

If you are considering adoption, consider special needs adoption. Many children are put into foster care waiting for a permanent home. Children who are waiting vary in abilities and history. Working with a private adoption agency or Illinois’ Department of Child and Family Services can get you on the right path to being a parent to a child in need whom you can love and take care of.

A knowledgeable Illinois attorney will be able to assist you in this process and make sure all avenues will benefit you and your new child. Make sure all legalities are taken care of by an experienced Geveva family lawyer who will will help you go through the process with ease and excitement.

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