Section 7.53.227. State adoption or guardianship subsidy.

	(a)  A hard-to-place child with special needs who is in department custody and is not eligible for Title IV-E adoption assistance is eligible for a state adoption subsidy or guardianship subsidy.  
	(b)  The department may determine, on a case by case basis, that a hard-to-place child with special needs who is not in department custody, and is not eligible for Title IV-E adoption assistance is eligible for a state adoption or guardianship subsidy because of a hardship situation, including any of the following:  
		(1) a sibling of the child has already been adopted by, or made a ward of, the family;   
		(2) the family has highly specialized skills to meet the child's needs, and the lack of a subsidy would prevent the adoption or guardianship.  
	(c)  An adoptive parent or guardian of a child receiving a state adoption or guardianship subsidy shall apply for SSI for the child. If SSI is denied, the parent or guardian shall pursue the SSI appeal process. The department may approve the state subsidy when the appeal is submitted to the United States Social Security Administration. The adoptive parent or guardian shall notify the department of the outcome of the appeal. If SSI is approved, the department will change the state subsidy to a Title IV-E subsidy.  
	(d)  The department will notify an adoptive parent or guardian in writing of the department's determination of eligibility under this section, and will advise the adoptive parent or guardian of the right to request a review under 7 AAC 54.500 or an evidentiary hearing under 7 AAC 54.510.  

Authorities

13.26.062;25.23.210;25.23.230;47.14.100;47.14.120

Notes

Reference

7 AAC 100.002

Authority

AS 13.26.062 AS 25.23.210 AS 25.23.230 AS 47.14.100 AS 47.14.120

History

Eff. 3/31/2005, Register 173; am 4/13/2011, Register 198