Financial Support

• There is no fee to adopt a child in Vermont foster care. What’s more, when you adopt a waiting child, Project Family will provide adoption services at no cost to you. This includes pre-adoption counseling, child and family matching, finalization services, post-placement visits, and post-adoption counseling.

• Most of the waiting children are eligible to receive an adoption subsidy—a monthly payment to help you meet the child’s special needs—until age 18. The child’s age and special needs as well as your family’s financial circumstances will be considered when determining any amount you might receive.

• The Department may reimburse you, or pay a third party directly, up to $2,000 for expenses directly related to completing the adoption.

• You may be eligible to claim a federal tax credit when you adopt a child with special needs—regardless of your actual expenses.

Childcare

Some of the waiting children qualify for subsidized childcare if the parents work outside the home or when it’s authorized because of the child’s special needs.

Medical Benefits

Most of the waiting children qualify for medical benefits through Vermont Medicaid, which helps to cover the cost of doctor’s visits, prescriptions, hospital care, mental health services, dental care, eye care, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more. If you live or move out of state, medical benefits may or may not be provided by the other state.

Ongoing Support

Adoptive families in Vermont are fortunate to have quality post-adoption resources available to them:

• The Vermont Adoption Consortium - a statewide network of agencies that offer post-adoption services to all adoptive families in Vermont. These services can include information and referral, training opportunities, advocacy, help with school and community issues, support and discussion groups, educational resources, respite services, counseling, and intensive supports.

• The Vermont Foster and Adoptive Families Association (VFAFA) - a grassroots network of foster and adoptive parents throughout Vermont. Membership benefits include annual conferences, a newsletter, ongoing training and networking opportunities, and peer support.

• Training - in addition to the initial training available to adoptive parents, you can also take advantage of training opportunities offered throughout the year by DCF, VFAFA, the Adoption Consortium, and others.