Understanding AAP - A Parent and Worker Guide is a concise and useable manual for all those involved in the Adoption Assistance Program process. The goal of this manual is to clarify the purpose and application of California’s AAP Program. It is our intention that this manual will help spread the limited resources of AAP to benefit as many eligible children as possible. It is designed for ease of use by workers and parents alike. The manual contains checklists, worksheets, case examples, pragmatic tips, and more.

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Why fund Adoption? Or "Do we really pay people to adopt children?"
Approximately 120,000 children in California live in Foster Care. (CDSS) Only 1/3 will successfully reunify. Nationwide, 85% of children enter foster care under the age of three. (Child Welfare League of America)

Are All Adoptions Funded?
No. AAP is available to assist in the adoption of a child OUT OF FOSTER CARE and in limited circumstances a private adoption where there we a strong likelihood that the child would have ended up in foster care. International and independent adoptions are not eligible.

Will all adopting families receive a grant?
No, AAP subsidies currently depend on:
1. The needs of the child and/or
2. The circumstances of the family

Who decides the needs of the child?
The child welfare department where the child entered dependency accesses the child's needs and is responsible for payment until the child reaches the age of 18 or 21.

How do "family circumstances" effect a subsidy?
AAP IS NOT A MEANS TEST. The family income is not reviewed.

How does the AAP subsidy work
Basic Care provides funding for food, clothing, and shelter. This is often granted on economic need of the family. Specialized Care Increment (SCI) is based upon the needs of the child AND IS NOT RELATED TO FAMILY INCOME. A family can receive SCI even if they do not receive Basic Care. Both parts of the subsidy arrive monthly as one check to the family.

What is Recertification?
Recertification is the process by which the public agency confirms that the child is still in the home and that AAP funds are still necessary. This must occur at least every two years. It can occur sooner but should not occur so often as to be harassing. A subsidy rate may change at Recertification. Also, a family can request a recertification at any time if the needs of the child have changed.

How does a family resolve conflict with AAP?
Conflicts must be initiated in the Administrative Adjudication Division of the Department of Social Services. A court may not hear a conflict until the administrative remedy has been sough. A dependency court judge may assist a family, prior to adoption, by holding the child welfare agency accountable for information given and reasons given for denial. However, a court has no statutory authority to enforce an AAP rate.

Can an adopted child maintain Medi-Cal?
Yes. Regardless of any subsidy agreement, all children adopted out of foster care retain Medi-Cal. In 1997, NSFA provided for retention of Medicaid eligibility even if a family moves out of state after adoptive placement.

Where can a family go for assistance?
Sierra Adoption Services 1-800-AAP(227)-8044 North American Council of Adoptable Children (NACAC) 1-800-470-6665