10-148-13 Me. Code R. § 6

Current through 2024-25, June 19, 2024

Section 148-13-6 - AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE APPROVED ADOPTIVE FAMILY AND THE DEPARTMENT

a. A written agreement between the family entering into assisted adoption and the Department must precede the adoptive placement. An exception can be made in accordance with Section 7 of these rules in the case of a request for retroactive adoption assistance approved in accordance with 3.b.3. of these rules.

b. The Commissioner of the Department or his designee will sign the agreement on behalf of the Department.

c. The agreement shall include the following:

1 The amount and type of adoption assistance payments;

2 A statement concerning eligibility for Title XIX benefits and Title XX services for children receiving federally-matched adoption assistance payments;

3 Designation of any Title XX benefits or additional services or assistance to be provided by the Department and how the costs for these items are to be met;

4 The duration of the agreement;

5 The process for annual redetermination of need and a statement that failure to reapply or failure to meet the standards for adoption assistance will result in the termination of the agreement;

6 A statement that the adoptive family is responsible for immediately notifying in writing the Department's Adoption Program Specialist of any changes in address, custody, or living arrangements or changes in benefits for the child;

7 A statement specifying how adoptive parents shall notify the Department in writing of changes in the needs of the child or the circumstances of the family that would affect their eligibility for, or the amount of, assistance required;

8 A statement concerning interstate continuance of the agreement, specifying payments and services for which Maine will remain responsible if the family moves out of state;

9 A statement specifying how adoptive parents shall be notified of any changes in the rates of adoption assistance payments and how they may request changes in the adoption assistance agreement;

10 A statement of the terms of continued eligibility for adoption assistance;

11 A statement regarding the right of the family to appeal decisions concerning adoption assistance and the procedure for doing so;

12 The effective date for beginning adoption assistance payments will be the date the child is placed in the adoptive home with an approved adoption placement agreement (BCFSAC-034).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 13, § 6