1. (a) If the petition for adoption contained a request for financial assistance, the court shall refer the petitioner to the department to complete and submit to the department the Indiana Adoption Program application for a determination of eligibility for:

   1. (1) adoption assistance under 42 U.S.C. 673, including applicable federal and state regulations; or
   2. (2) an adoption subsidy under IC 31-19-26.5 .
2. (b) The department shall determine the eligibility of the adoptive child for financial assistance and the amount of assistance, if any, that will be provided.

3. (c) The court may not order payment of:

   1. (1) adoption assistance under 42 U.S.C. 673; or

   2. (2) any adoption subsidy under IC 31-19-26.5 .

      [Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-3-1-8(c).]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.146-2008, SEC.561; P.L.131-2009, SEC.22.