Conditions For Adoption Assistance

The purpose of the adoption assistance program is to encourage the legal adoption of children with special needs who would not be able to have the security of a permanent home without support payments. Applications are made through the Division of Family and Community Services, for a determination of eligibility. Eligibility is determined solely on the child’s need. No means test may be applied to the adoptive family’s income or resources. Once an application for adoption assistance is submitted to the Division of Family and Community Services, the Division will respond with a determination of the child’s eligibility within forty-five (45) days. (7-1-25) 01. Special Needs Criteria. The definition of special needs includes the following factors: (3-15-22) a. The child cannot or should not be returned to the home of the parents as evidenced by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction terminating parents rights or its equivalent; and (3-15-22) b. The child has a physical, mental, emotional, or medical disability, or is at risk of developing such disability based on the child’s experience of documented physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or neglect; or (3-15-22) c. The child’s age makes it difficult to find an adoptive home; or (3-15-22) Table 894 - Qualified Individuals Home Study or Court Report $50 Supervision Report or Home Study Update $30 IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 16.06.01 Department of Health and Welfare Child and Family Services Section 908 Page 43 d. The child is being placed for adoption with at least one (1) sibling; and (3-15-22) e. Reasonable but unsuccessful effort to place the child with special needs without a subsidy must be made, except in cases where it is not in the best interests of the child due to their significant emotional ties with the foster parent(s) or relative(s) who are willing to adopt the child. (7-1-25) 901. -- 907. (RESERVED)