Adoption assistance negotiators have the following ongoing responsibilities in the Adoption Assistance program:

• Renegotiating existing agreements, including deferred agreements, at the adoptive parents’ request because of changed circumstances, and notifying the adoption assistance eligibility specialist of any changes to the monthly payment amount.
• Explaining to families the process for accessing Medicaid coverage in Texas and other states. See 1730 Medicaid Coverage, the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, and Adoption Assistance.
• Providing training on adoption assistance benefits and application requirements to other DFPS child placement staff, staff of private child-placing agencies, and prospective foster and adoptive parents.
• Negotiating adoption assistance agreements according to the orders of the fair hearing officer.
• Providing information for, and testifying in, any fair hearings, as necessary. See 1719.3 Responsibilities of the Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialist and Negotiator.