1. (1) Adoption Assistance (AA) may be provided to a birth parent who was or would have been the caretaker of a child placed for adoption.
2. (2) The placement for adoption must have been voluntary. Birth parents who have had their parental rights terminated are not eligible for AA.
3. (3) The adoption must have met the requirements of Section 78B-6-120.
4. (4) AA financial assistance may be provided if the birth parent is in the third trimester of pregnancy and is planning to place the child for adoption, and if otherwise eligible.
5. (5) A parent must apply for AA no later than the end of the second month after the month of adoptive placement. Proof of adoptive placement is required.
6. (6) adoptive placement may be made for any minor child, however a child age 12 or older must agree to the adoptive placement.

7. (7) The Department will coordinate services to assist the birth parent in:

   1. (a) receiving appropriate educational and occupational assessment and planning, including enrolling in appropriate education or training programs, high school completion, or adult education programs;
   2. (b) enrolling in programs that provide assistance with job readiness, employment counseling, finding employment, or work skills;
   3. (c) finding suitable housing;
   4. (d) receiving medical assistance under Title 26, Chapter 18, Medical Assistance Act, if the client is otherwise eligible; and
   5. (e) receiving counseling or other mental health services.
8. (8) If a birth parent relinquishes custody of a child, and before the adoption is finalized takes back custody of the child, the birth parent is no longer eligible for AA.
9. (9) The rule regarding minor parents found at Section R986-200-213 applies if the parent seeking AA is a minor.
10. (10) If the minor birth parent seeking AA is living with their parent or parents or the parent or parents of the other parent of the child being placed for adoption, the FEP rule for counting the income of the household found in Section R986-200-242 applies.

KEY: adoption assistance

Date of Last Change: September 27, 2022

Notice of Continuation: August 14, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 35A-3-114