SB 310

Bill Subjects

Children And Minors, Adoption Children And Minors, Children With Special Health Needs Children And Minors, Department Of Child Services

Abstract

Prohibits the department of child services (department), a licensed child placing agency, or a court from considering the following when making certain determinations regarding the suitability of a prospective adoptive parent: (1) The eligibility of the prospective adoptive parent to receive adoption assistance or an adoption subsidy. (2) The amount of adoption assistance or adoption subsidy for which the prospective adoptive parent qualifies. Requires, with exceptions, the department to: (1) enter into an agreement with each adoptive parent of a child with special needs who is eligible for an adoption subsidy to provide an adoption subsidy for the child; and (2) allocate to the adoption assistance account funds necessary to make the adoption subsidy payments. Prohibits the department from terminating an adoption subsidy agreement with adoptive parents due to insufficient funds in the adoption assistance account. Provides that the amount of adoption subsidy payments may not be less than an amount equal to 50% of the amount that would be payable by the department for the monthly cost of care of the adopted child in a foster family home at the time the adoption subsidy agreement is made or the subsidy is payable under the terms of the agreement, whichever is greater. Makes conforming changes.