Only Adoption Subsidy youth may be considered for an 18 and above Agreement. No Guardianship Agreement will be continued beyond Age 18 under Any Circumstance.
Six months prior to a youth’s, (who is covered by a subsidy agreement), 18th birthday, a determination should be made as to whether or not the youth has a documented physical, dental or mental health need that requires care through a subsidy Agreement beyond the age of 18.
Complete the 18 and above Adoption Subsidy Agreement, CD AD 18, and attach the documentation of need from the youth’s physician, psychiatrist, etc.
Discuss with the adoptive family the need to transition the youth from adoption subsidy to adult community services to meet the youth’s needs and provide referral information and assistance with obtaining these services as needed.
In addition, the family should be advised they are required to apply for and participate in all such programs and services as may be reasonably necessary to meet the needs of the youth as indicated in the contract.
Submit the 18 and above Adoption Subsidy, CD AD 18, for approval at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the Adoption Subsidy Agreement, CD AD, so no lapse in services occurs.
The child’s physical, dental or mental health condition must be of such a degree that the child continues to require extraordinary specialized care beyond the age of 18. Documentation of the degree of the child’s condition and the recommended treatment is required. Often, MO HealthNet may be all that is necessary to meet the child’s needs. Maintenance does not automatically continue if it is not identified as a need:
The 18 and above Adoption Subsidy Agreement, CD AD 18, may only be approved for one year. The subsidy must be renegotiated and a new Agreement signed every year in the case of a child over the age of 18 that continues to have a documented need for subsidy to continue. Each year Children’s Division staff should be working with the parents to make referrals to allow the family to access services to transition the youth to adult services, reducing the need for subsidy each year between ages 18 and 21.
Documentation of the need to extend the subsidy due to the child’s physical, mental health or dental needs must accompany the Agreement to Central Office for approval. Such documentation must come from a physician, dentist, therapist or other professional involved in the ongoing treatment of the youth. Documentation should include a long-term plan for the child when subsidy is no longer available (i.e. MO HealthNet, Department of Mental Health services, Social Security Disability, etc.). Documentation must always be placed in the case file and be written into the case plan.
Approval must be obtained from the Division Director by signature to the 18 and above Adoption Subsidy Agreement at least 30 days prior to the end of the month of the child’s 18th birthday.
The authorized funding category must be adoption subsidy-HDN when an 18 and babove Adoption Subsidy Agreement is in place.
NOTE: Subsidy shall not be continued for a child who is able to work after graduation, or who has enrolled in college; nor does subsidy assist with college tuition or books.
Related Practice Alerts and Memos:
7-1-19 – CD19-52 – FY20 Rate Increases
12-4-19 – PA19-AD-06 – Transitional Living Placements and Subsidy Agreements
1-10-20 – PA20-AD-01 – Legal Fees for AD and LG Subsidies
10-29-2020 – PA20-AD-06 – Child Summary
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