Louisiana State Adoption Assistance Program

https://dcfs.la.gov/page/adoption

Louisiana’s state-specific medical assistance links:
https://ldh.la.gov/

Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 67 Social Services, Chapter 49, Adoption Subsidy Program (page 167)
https://doa.louisiana.gov/media/tp3lmkyg/67.pdf

In Louisiana a child with special needs is defined as a child that has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to adoption without financial assistance:

1. Age 5 or older
2. Is of a ethnicity that creates a barrier to adoption
3. Is a member of a sibling group of two or more children who should not be separated
4. Has a physical, mental, or emotional disability
5. Has a severe chronic medical condition
6. Has a significant or chronic mental health condition or is genetically predisposed to or has birth family risk factors for a medical or mental health conditio

Exceptions to the definition of a child with special needs may be made on a case-by-case basis. Children must be legally free for adoption to be eligible for adoption assistance.

Children who were previously in therapeutic or specialized foster care may be eligible for up to $258 per month in additional adoption assistance. For details as to what types of impairments or disabilities qualify children for specialized rates, families should contact their local adoption worker or their regional adoption supervisor or district supervisor. If the children’s needs change after adoption, they may also be eligible for the specialized rates.

Medicaid can continue until the child turns 19, but other benefits end at 18.  However, if the youth was adopted after their 16th birthday, adoption assistance and Medicaid can continue to age 21 if they meet certain criteria.

Post-permanency services are provided by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Services are provided by parish and availability of services may vary by region. To find your parish’s child welfare office and inquire about post-permanency services, visit https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/directory. 

Louisiana has a special services subsidy which is time limited and in some cases may be a one time payment. It is special assistance given to handle an anticipated expense when no other family or community resource is available. If needed, it can be offered in addition to the maintenance subsidy.

Parent organizations such as the Louisiana Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (https://louisianafosterparents.com/337-263-2711) provide support.

Louisiana offers a kinship care subsidy program to provide cash assistance for eligible children who reside with qualified relatives other than biological parents. For more information go to this
website https://dcfs.la.gov/page/kcsp

In the case of a deceased adoptive parent, the state will provide state-funded assistance to the child’s legal guardian(s).