1. (a) A child who is SSI eligible and is part of an independent adoption (i.e., not in the custody of a public or private agency) is eligible for a Title IV-E subsidy.

2. (b)

   1. (1) If a child received Title IV-E adoption assistance in a previous adoption that dissolved or in which the adoptive parents died, the child is eligible for Title IV-E assistance when he or she is subsequently adopted.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) See adoption subsidy, 9 CAR § 40-930.
      2. (B) The Adoption Subsidy Coordinator must be contacted for an application packet.

3. (c) The Adoption Subsidy Coordinator will:

   1. (1) Accept and review referrals for independent adoption and private agency subsidy applications;
   2. (2) Assess all submitted forms and documentation, make a recommendation to approve or deny the adoption subsidy application, and provide written notification to the applicant, the person who arranged the independent adoption, or the private agency representative of the decision, within fifteen (15) working days of receiving the initial application packet from the Adoption Specialist;
   3. (3) Contact the applicant, the person who arranged the independent adoption, or private agency representative, if additional information or forms are needed;
   4. (4) Prepare the CFS-428: Adoption Assistance Agreement if it is recommended the adoption subsidy application be approved, and route the CFS-428 to the Adoption Manager for approval, then send the CFS-428 to the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services or designee for signature;
   5. (5) Send signed CFS-428: Adoption Assistance Agreement to the applicant and private agency representative, if applicable, with written instructions;
   6. (6) Notify the adoptive parent in writing if the application is denied, to explain the reason for the denial, the internal review, and the administrative fair hearing procedures; and

   7. (7) In CHRIS:

      1. (A) Enter the adoptive parents and adoptive child as clients in the newly opened adoption case;
      2. (B) Complete the adoptive child’s characteristic screen to identify the special needs; and
      3. (C) Complete the adoption screens (general information, affidavit of disclosure, and subsidy) and request the approval of the adoption subsidy.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows: "01/2021"