5700. Adoption Support

Applies To: This policy applies to child welfare adoption caseworkers and adoption support consultants.

Policy Number & Title: 5700. Adoption Support 

Effective Date: June 10, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the requirements related to the Adoption Support Program.

Authority 

42 U.S.C. 671   State plan for foster care and adoption assistance
42 U.S.C. 673   Adoption and guardianship assistance program
42 U.S.C. 675   Definitions
PL 96-272   Adoption Support and Child Welfare Act of 1980
PL 110-351   Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008
PL 113-183  Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act
RCW 74.13.031  Duties of department, child welfare services, children’s services advisory committee
RCW 74.13A  Adoption support  
WAC 110-80  Adoption support program

Policy

  1. Adoption caseworkers must facilitate the adoption support application process with the prospective adoptive parents. 
  2. Adoption support consultants must:
    1. Determine eligibility of children and youth for the adoption support program. 
    2. Initiate the adoption support negotiation process with the prospective adoptive parents.
    3. Verify monthly payments do not exceed the statutory cap for the foster care maintenance payment. 
    4. Initiate benefits as outlined in the adoption support agreement when the agreement becomes effective.
    5. Manage adoption support agreements while they are in effect.
    6. Provide adoptive families’ information about available services and supports.
    7. Respond to written modification requests within 30 calendar days after receiving the adoptive parents’ requests. 
    8. Redetermine ongoing eligibility for youth when they turn 18. 
    9. Notify prospective adoptive parents or adoptive parents of their right to an administrative hearing and the process to request one, when required.
    10. Terminate the adoption support agreement when the children or youth are no longer eligible.

Resources 

Adoption Support procedures (located on the DCYF policies and rules intranet page, child welfare division policies & procedures)

Original Date:  September 27, 1995

Revised Date:  June 10, 2026 

Review Date:  June 30, 2030

Approved by:  Vickie Ybarra, Assistant Secretary of Partnership, Preventions, and Services Division