State Contact

Adoption Branch
Dept. for Community Based Services
275 East Main Street, 3C-E
Frankfort, KY 40621
502-564-2147

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Adoption Resources on the Web:

https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces/
Kentucky’s state-specific medical assistance links:
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dpo/bpb/Pages/cmhc.aspx
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/Pages/default.aspx

Kentucky’s adoption assistance links:
https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces/Home/HowWeSupportYou

Kentucky Revised Statutes 199.555, State-funded adoption assistance payments–Conditions: https://law.justia.com/codes/kentucky/2022/chapter-199/section-199-555/

Title 16 Juvenile Proceedings, Chapter 15 Adoption of Children:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title16/t16ch15/

Kentucky Revised Statutes 199.557, Federal Title IV-E Adoption
Assistance:
https://law.justia.com/codes/kentucky/2022/chapter-199/section-199-557/

Kentucky Administrative Regulations, 922 KAR 1:050 and 922 KAR 1:060:
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/922/001/050/
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/922/001/060/

Standards of Practice Online Manual, Chapter 13—Adoption Services, Adoption Assistance 13.39-13.46.1:

https://manuals-sp-chfs.ky.gov/chapter13/Pages/default.aspx

In Kentucky for a child to be considered special needs they have at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to placement or adoption:

  • Two years of age or older and member of a racial or ethnic minority group
  • Seven years of age or older with a significant emotional attachment or psychological tie to the foster family and the Department has determined that it would be in the child’s best interest to remain with the family
  • A member of a sibling group of two or more children placed at the same time in the same family
  • A physical or mental disability
  • An emotional or behavioral disorder
  • A documented risk of physical, mental, or emotional disorder
  • A previous adoption disruption or multiple placements
  • The child has a physical, mental, emotional or medical disability, or is at risk of developing such disability based on known information regarding the birth family and child’s history;
  • The child’s age makes it difficult to find an adoptive home; or
  • The child is a member of a sibling group that must not be separarted.
Age Base Rate (per month) Advanced (per month) Degree
Birth – 11 yrs $733 $803 N/A
12-18 yrs $790 $867 N/A
Care Plus $1,289 $1,451 N/A
Medically Fragile $1,289 $1,451 $1,548
Specialized Medically Fragile N/A $1,819 $2,950

Yes, as outlined in the chart above. There are three tiers of payments—basic, advanced, and degree. There are also two specialized maintenance levels—Medically Fragile and Care Plus.

If the child was receiving state-funded adoption assistance before his 18th birthday, he can continue to receive assistance payments until the month of graduation from high school or age 19 (whichever comes first).

Adoption assistance is available to age 21 if the child is determined to be totally and permanently disabled by the Medical Review Team (MRT) with the Division for Disability Determination Services. If MRT determines the child is not totally and permanently disabled, then the assistance can be extended if the child is 18 and still in high school. In such cases, assistance can continue until high school graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.

Kentucky may provide child care assistance if the adoptive parent(s) are working or if the child has a specific therapeutic need. In either case, the family must talk with their Recruitment and Certification (R&C) worker to access this service. If DCBS reimburses for child care placement, the maximum rate will vary based on type of child care provider (facility, licensed home provider, or sitter).

For children who qualify for Basic, Advance, and Degree Medically Fragile and Care Plus Home rates, families may be reimbursed for two additional respite days per month (the first day is covered by the monthly payment). For children approved for Specialized Medically Fragile rates, families may be reimbursed for three additional respite days per month.  Parents should contact their adoption assistance worker or post-adoption services contact for information regarding respite services.

Children with active adoption assistance agreements may qualify for payment for up to 90 days of residential treatment per year through post-adoption placement stabilization services (PAPSS) funds. Families should contact their R &C worker for information. Adoptive parents do not have to relinquish custody of their child to receive this service. If the placement exceeds 90 days, then a voluntary commitment is pursued. If DCBS pays for the placement, not Medicaid, then family will have to suspend their adoption assistance agreement, the family can negotiate costs related to travel and therapy to reunify with the child.

In addition to Medicaid services, Kentucky provides funding for extraordinary medical expenses. Reimbursement for medical expenses not covered under medical assistance or the family’s private insurance is available for services related to the special need for which adoption assistance was granted. Family co-payments, based on rates determined through application of an income scale, are required in some instances. Some of the specific services eligible for reimbursement include orthodontia (covers 50 percent); tutoring (in certain situations); physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapy (one session per week per child); special equipment (in certain circumstances); customized equipment; and child care. Parents will need to work with their regional billing specialist to obtain reimbursement for these payments. Parents will need to complete an annual financial form to receive reimbursement for extraordinary medical expense reimbursement. This information is needed to determine co-pays.

Intensive in-home services (such as family therapy, intensive respite care, in-home paraprofessional attendance, etc.) are occasionally available to prevent out-of-home placement for children or to smooth the transition home from residential treatment. The maximum amount that can be reimbursed is $10,000. (Families should contact their R & C worker to request this service.)

Kentucky has several organizations that provide these post adoption services, including Foster/Adoptive Support and Training (FAST) Center, Adoption Support for Kentucky, and the Kentucky Foster/Adoptive Care Association. To learn more about whom to contact and which services may be available, parents should contact their adoption assistance worker or local DCBS office (find the local offices at https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/Office_Phone/).

Youth are eligible for tuition waivers at public Kentucky college and universities if they were adopted from the Cabinet.  For more information
visit,
https://prd.webapps.chfs.ky.gov/kyrise/Home/Education