State Contact
Ana Prosceno
DSCYF/Division of Family Services
1825 Faulkland Road
Wilmington, DE 19805
302-633-2661
ana.prosceno@delaware.gov
Adoption Resources on the Web
https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/adoption/
Delaware’s state-specific medical assistance:
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dss/medicaid.html
Delaware adoption assistance manual:
https://kidsfiles.delaware.gov/policies/dfs/adoption-assistance-manual.pdf
A child with special needs is defined as a child that has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to placement or adoption without financial assistance:
- Eight years of age or older
- Member of a minority race or ethnic background
- Member of a sibling group of two or more children to be adopted together
- A diagnosed physical handicap or chronic disease requiring medical attention
- A mental or emotional condition requiring treatment
| Basic rates when adopted: | |
|---|---|
| Age | Rate |
| 0-9 | $396.63 |
| 10-15 | $451.38 |
| 16+ | $510.70 |
Monthly adoption assistance maintenance payment cannot exceed the monthly rate the child was receiving in foster care. This rate varies and is determined by the child’s needs and documented in the child’s level of care (LOC), which is determined when he or she enters foster care and re-determined about three months before the adoption petition is filed.
All adoption assistance benefits typically ends at age 18. At state option, payments may be continued until 21 years old, if the child has been certified medically fragile or has a severe physical or mental disability certified by a licensed professional. The child must be enrolled in high school and be on track to receive a diploma or its equivalent.
Residential treatment is available through the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (302-633-2600). For more information, visit:
http://kids.delaware.gov/pbhs/pbhs.shtml
(see question 11 for more information on DPBHS).
A Better Chance for Our Children (ABCFOC) is the contract agency for Delaware adoptive families and families who have obtained guardianship of children exiting the Delaware foster care system. Families may obtain services by calling the toll-free number at 1-877-533-2212 or for more information can utilize the website at https://abcfoc.org/post-adoption-support/
