The Adoption Assistance Program, often referred to as adoption subsidy, is a federal and state supported program. It is intended to support the families that adopt children identified as having special needs. In North Dakota, a child with special needs is defined as a child: 7 years of age or older, a member of a minority group, a member of a sibling group [being placed together], or a child with a mental, physical or emotional disability or at high risk of such as diagnosed by a licensed physician. Additional eligibility criteria apply, such as judicial determinations, so be sure to consult your adoption agency for details regarding the details.

Adoption Assistance takes three forms, including a one-time reimbursement for expenses directly relating to the adoption, up to $2,000 per child, a monthly payment, and/or the child's eligibility for Medical Assistance. Adoption Assistance agreements are negotiated between the family and the local County Social Service agency where the family resides. Your adoption agency will assist families in the application process. Agreements must be negotiated and signed prior to the finalization of an adoption. The monthly amount a family may negotiate up to is based on what the child receive while in foster care. Agreements are renewed on a yearly basis. Adjustments in the monthly subsidy may be made, if requested by the adoptive parents, at the time of annual renewal or at any time the needs of the child change. Parents would initiate this request by contacting their local County Social Service Office.

In limited situations, where the special needs of the child were not determined prior to finalization and those needs are overwhelming the family's financial ability, adoptive parents may request a state-funded adoption assistance agreement after the finalization of their adoption. Families are encouraged to contact the adoption agency which facilitated their adoption.

For more information, families may visit North American Council on Adoptable Children's website of www.nacac.org. A state profile fact sheet regarding adoption assistance can be found at http://nacac.org/stateprofiles/northdakota.html. In addition, adoptive parents may also contact the North Dakota NACAC Subsidy Representative, Keatha McLeod at cloudynd@qwest.net.