As used in this part:

1. (1) "Adoptable child" means a child:

   1. (a) who is in the custody of the division; and

   2. (b)

      1. (i) who has permanency goals of adoption; or
      2. (ii) for whom a final plan for pursuing termination of parental rights is approved in accordance with Section 80-3-409.

2. (2)

   1. (a) "Adoption assistance" means, except as provided in Section 80-2-809, direct financial subsidies and support to adoptive parents of a child with special needs or whose need or condition has created a barrier that would prevent a successful adoption.
   2. (b) "Adoption assistance" includes state medical assistance, reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses, or monthly subsidies.

3. (3) "Adoption services" means, except as used in Section 80-2-806:

   1. (a) placing children for adoption;
   2. (b) subsidizing adoptions under Section 80-2-301;
   3. (c) supervising adoption placements until the adoption is finalized by a court;
   4. (d) conducting adoption studies;
   5. (e) preparing adoption reports upon request of the court; and
   6. (f) providing postadoptive placement services, upon request of a family, for the purpose of stabilizing a possible disruptive placement.

4. (4) "Child who has a special need" means a child who:

   1. (a) cannot or should not be returned to the home of the child's biological parents; and

   2. (b)

      1. (i) is five years old or older;
      2. (ii) is under 18 years old with a physical, emotional, or mental disability; or
      3. (iii) is a member of a sibling group placed together for adoption.
5. (5) "Monthly subsidy" means financial support to assist with the costs of adopting and caring for a child who has a special need.
6. (6) "Nonrecurring adoption expenses" means reasonably necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney's fees, and other expenses which are directly related to the legal adoption of a child who has a special need.
7. (7) "State medical assistance" means the Medicaid program and medical assistance as those terms are defined in Section 26-18-2.
8. (8) "Supplemental adoption assistance" means financial support for extraordinary, infrequent, or uncommon documented needs not otherwise covered by a monthly subsidy, state medical assistance, or other public benefits for which a child who has a special need is eligible.
9. (9) "Vendor services" means services that a person provides under contract with the division.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 334, 2022 General Session