Can DCF help pay costs for adopted children with special needs?
The Subsidized Adoption Program helps the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and private Connecticut-licensed agencies place children who have special needs.
Who is eligible for the Subsidized Adoption Program?
A child with special needs is eligible for the program when:- The adopting family meets the guidelines for any other adopting family, and
- The child meets the “special needs child” definition, and
- The child has established significant emotional ties with prospective parents while in their care as a foster child, or
- All reasonable efforts to place the child haven’t succeeded.
What determines the amount, type, and length of adoption subsidy granted?
- The subsidy is based on a child’s special needs. See DCF Policy 48-18-5 for the current rates.
- Some children may be eligible for a medically complex rate. See DCF Policy 48-18-5 for more information.
- When a child is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, we include that amount in the family’s income.
- Monthly and/or lump sum payments may continue until a child turns 18.
- Medical subsidies may continue until the child turns 21 if they’re still a Connecticut resident.
- Any child adopted from DCF foster care after December 31, 2004, is eligible to apply for college and post-secondary school assistance.
How do we apply for this subsidy?
Contact your DCF support social worker to apply.
Are any other subsidies available from DCF?
Families adopting children with special needs may be reimbursed for up to $750 of their direct adoption expenses.
Can I request a subsidy after the adoption happens?
Yes. You can request help with expenses directly related to the child’s condition when you adopted them. A subsidy can’t be granted for new conditions or circumstances that occur following legal adoption.
Contact your DCF social worker for help.
What happens after a subsidy is approved?
DCF’s Subsidized Adoption Unit is responsible for approved subsidies. They will:
- Review your subsidy every other year
- Decide whether the subsidy should continue, be modified, or end
- Help you receive lost or delayed subsidy payments
- Process any subsidy request you make after the adoption was finalized