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Negotiating Adoption Assistance Agreements
Adoption assistance agreements are negotiated between prospective adoptive parents and the agency that has legal custody of the children prior to adoption finalization. Agreements should not be based on the "means" of the prospective adoptive family but on the "needs" of the child. "Means testing" is prohibited by Federal law. Since there is no set amount for an adoption assistance agreement, the family and agency or caseworker must work together to agree on an amount that is best for that family, in keeping with the State and agency's policies.
This section provides information for caseworkers and families about how to negotiate adoption assistance agreements.
Resources for caseworkers
Child Welfare Policy Manual: Title IV-E
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Provides the table of contents with links to chapters on policy information about title IV-E adoption assistance in an easy-to-use question and answer format.
The Dance of Negotiation (PDF - 895 KB)
Ford
The Roundtable, 19(1), 2005
Provides information for caseworkers on how to negotiate adoption assistance agreements.
Title IV-E Adoption Assistance Agreements
National Resource Center for Adoption
In Adoption Competency Curriculum: Trainer's Guide
Includes trainer preparation materials for a module that reviews the history of adoption assistance, Federal laws, policies, and eligibility for the Title IV-E adoption assistance program, core components of negotiating and discussing Title IV-E adoption assistance. Also available: Participant's Handbook
Resources for families
Adoption Subsidy: A Guide for Adoptive Parents
O'Hanlon (2002)
View Abstract
Addresses negotiating a subsidy agreement, appealing agency decisions, using administrative hearings to apply for adoption assistance after finalization, and applying for retroactive payments.
Negotiating Title IV-E Adoption Subsidy Agreements
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Provides information to help parents negotiate an adoption assistance agreement; includes a checklist of items to include, appropriate rates, and differences among States.
Renegotiation and Modification of Adoption Subsidy Agreements
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Gives information about when adoption assistance agreements can be renegotiated and tips for parents.