If the child returns to substitute care, and the family is receiving adoption assistance benefits, the adoption assistance payments are to continue if:

• The adoptive family is still providing support for the child.
• The adoptive parent’s rights were not terminated.

The adoption assistance eligibility specialist (AAES) contacts the federal or state support adoption assistance program specialist for assistance when a child returns to substitute care. The adoption assistance program specialist provides guidance on how to proceed with the adoption assistance payments when the adoptive parent is continuing to provide support for the child.