Medical and Dental
All children in the Adoption Support Program are eligible to receive medical and dental services through Medicaid.
- Families must first access existing private insurance.
- Medicaid can then be billed for any remaining costs up to the maximum allowable rate.
Pre-Authorized Counseling
Before beginning counseling services, authorization for the services must be requested by phone or in writing from your Adoption Support Consultant. Pre-authorized counseling supports include individual counseling for the child, parental counseling, and select evidence based practices.
- You may use your child's Medicaid insurance.
- Family's private insurance, if any, must be used first.
- Paid at Adoption Support rates.
Nonrecurring Adoption Costs
These are one-time expenses the adoptive parents have to pay to finalize the adoption of an eligible child.
- Maximum reimbursable costs are up to $1,500 per child.
- Payment is made after the adoption is finalized, and receipts are provided.
- Expenses may only be reimbursed as agreed to in an Adoption Support Agreement.
Types of costs that may be reimbursable:
- Court costs directly related to finalizing an adoption.
- Reasonable and necessary agency fees andattorney fees related to finalizing an adoption.
- Costs associated with an adoption home study.
Monthly Cash Payment
A cash payment may be provided to adoptive families to help cover some of the expenses involved in raising a child with special needs. The payment is:
- Based on the circumstances of the adopting family and the needs of the child or youth.
- Determined through negotiation between the adopting family and DCYF.
- The monthly cash payment must not exceed the following amounts based on the age of the child at adoption:
- For a child 0 to 4 years old, is the amount cannot exceed 80% of the foster care maintenance payment.
- For a child 5 to 9 years old, the amount cannot exceed 90% of the foster care maintenance payment.
- For youth 10 to 18 years old, the amount cannot exceed 95% of the foster care maintenance payment.
For information on the negotiation process for families adopting on or after Sept.1, 2026, please view this recording.
Training
Training opportunities are available through the Apple Health Coordinated Care and the Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence. Contact your adoption support program consultant for details.
