Adoption Assistance Program

AAP is available for out of home care. The child may be placed either voluntarily or as a court dependent. Once a family decides out of home placement is necessary:

• The county responsible for payment must agree that placement is necessary
• Placement is related to the child's condition prior to adoption
• There is a plan for return to the adoptive home
• Adoptive family must actively participate in the plan

Payment Protocol:

• 18-month limitation for a "specific episode or condition"
• If adoptive family is paying cost, AAP reimburses the family directly
• If another agency is paying, AAP pays the family share of cost
• Maximum payment is the State approved foster care rate for the facility
• Regular AAP Payment to the family stops and is replaced by payment for out of home placement

W&116121 and CDSS Adoptions Manual 35333(B) 1-3

FACILITY CHOICE The child may be placed with a Foster Family, Foster Family Agency, or a Group Home. The responsible county must ensure that:

• Specific Placement is able to meet the child's needs
• The rate classification level is appropriate
• Placement facility must be approved by California statutes W&I

16121(1) and CDSS Adoptions Manual 35333(B) 1-3

OTHER PLACEMENTS

Placement may be necessary under another agency such as Probation, Welfare, Regional Center or school. AAP is available to pay the family's share of cost in such a placement. CDSS Adoption Manual 35333(B)(2)(ii)

TEMPORARY HOLD

In an emergency, a child may be placed in a temporary hold by law enforcement. A child may also be placed in respite foster care. The family will be responsible for the cost of care. AAP may be available to assist, with the responsible county's concurrence.

This publication made possible by a grant from the Haigh-Scatena Foundation