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CHANGE #03-2009
FEBRUARY 2009
As a result of several system reforms through the MRS, SOC, statewide initiatives and the philosophy that every child deserves a permanent family, there has been a dramatic increase in adoption of children with special needs in this country. This increase has focused attention on the needs of families after they adopt children with special needs. Some families require agency involvement throughout the child’s minority while other families require services on a periodic basis. All families need the assurance that supportive services will be available and encouragement to participate in ongoing educational and training events.
In recognition of the need for post-adoption services in this country, Congress included a provision for adoption promotion and support services in the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997. North Carolina Administrative Rules 70H.0201 and 70M.0301 includes services to biological parents, adoptive parents and adopted children, or adult adoptees following entry of the decree of adoption in the definition of an adoption caseload. Post-adoption services should be designed to address issues that developed before or after the Decree of Adoption. It is not a continuation of supervision, but services provided as needed and requested by any of the parties in an adoption.
The agency shall make post-adoption services available to every adoptive family, as appropriate.
The Department of Social Services in the county where the family resides is the agency responsible for providing post-adoption services. This is true even if the agency neither placed the child nor supervised the placement. However, the placement agency and the resident county should work together to do what is most helpful for the family, regardless of what agency has responsibility for the child..
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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