Federal Adoption Assistance

Program Description
Federal Adoption Assistance, also known as adoption subsidies, provides financial help and services for children with special needs and their adoptive parents. While it is funded by the federal government, the adoption assistance program is administered by the various state adoption agencies.

General Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the adoption assistance program, applicants must be a parent or primary caregiver of an adopted child or children with special needs.

Each state adoption agency applies its own definition of "special needs" when determining eligibility for adoption assistance. Generally, children who are members of a minority group, have a medical condition, are siblings who should not be separated, or have a physical, emotional, or mental disability will qualify for adoption assistance.

How to Apply
For more information on applying for federal adoption assistance, visit the federal Child Welfare Information Gateway web site and contact your state adoption and foster care agency. Each state's adoption assistance program is different and it is necessary for families interested in obtaining adoption subsidies to contact their local department of social services to determine what is available in their state.