Sec. 07.05.03.06. Subsidized Adoption

A. The agency shall notify applicants of available adoption subsidies.

B. Subsidized adoption may be available to:

(1) A child for whom the agency has guardianship and documentation of reasonable efforts to find an adoptive home without subsidy, but has not been successful because the child has one or more of the following special needs:

(a) Is 6 years old or older;

(b) Has, in combination with other factors, race or ethnic background considerations;

(c) Has a severe or demanding physical or mental disability which may occur or recur;

(d) Has a diagnosed emotional disorder; or

(e) Is in a sibling group of two or more who shall be placed together;

(2) An adoptive parent who meets income qualifications and requires a subsidy to permit the parent to adopt a child who has a special need listed in §B(1) of this regulation; and

(3) An adopted child who is eligible according to §B(1) of this regulation at the time of adoption, but that fact was not known until after the adoption, for a one time retroactive post-adoption subsidy not to exceed an amount equal to 12 months of the Regular Care or Special Care rate as set forth in COMAR 07.02.11.34, Schedule A.

C. If appropriate, the adoptive parent shall apply to the local department to request a subsidy.