Federal
H.R. 622
Hope for Children Act (H.R. 622). Effective January 1, 2003,
provides $10,000 flat credit for families adopting a child with
Special Needs. This can be forwarded over five years.
PL 106-395
Child Citizen Act of 2000 grants citizenship to intercountry
children adopted at the time of finalization. Families no longer need to
apply separately to the INS.
PL 106-279
Ratifies the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry
Adoptions. Creates an international basic framework of ethical and
professional guidelines for adoption.
Child Welfare Policy Manual
Policy Announcement 01-01 released in January 2001 clarified and
condensed the previous PIQs that evolved since 1980 when Adoption
Subsidy Programs were mandated. Modified in November of 2001, a child
may still be relinquished to a private agency and be eligible for subsidy.
Other changes to PA 01-01 will emerge over 2002.
Right to sue in State Court
Wisconsin: Foster Children have a right to sue the State for a speedy
adoption under the Adoption and Safe Family Act. (Jeanine B. v. Scott
McCallum)
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