California State Adoption Assistance Program

General adoption information:
http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Benefits-Services/Adoption-Services

State-specific medical assistance:
http://www.medi-cal.ca.gov/

Adoption assistance:
http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Adoptions-Assistance

California law related to adoption assistance (California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 16115-16124)
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&division=9.&title=&part=4.&chapter=2.1.&article=

California regulations:
https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/index?__lrTS=20170907211845479&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)

then click through the following links to access adoption assistance information:

• Title 22. Social Security
• Division 2. Department of Social Services–Dept. of Health Services.
• Subdivision 4. Institutions and Boarding Homes for Persons Aged 16+
• Chapter 3. Adoptions Program Regulations
• Subchapter 7. Adoption Assistance Program/Aid for the Adoption of Children (AAP/AAC).

Who Is Eligible for Adoption Assistance?

The factors that California uses to determine if a child is eligible for Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) are:

1. Three years of age or older
2. Race, ethnicity, color, or language that is a barrier to adoption
3. Member of a sibling group that should remain together
4. Mental, physical, emotional, or medical disability certified by a licensed professional
5. Parental background of a medical or behavioral nature that can be determined to adversely affect the development of the child

Rates

For further information regarding AAP rates, visit the All County Letter 23-69 at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2023/23-69.pdf?ver=2023-08-07-133838-637

Rates may be renegotiated based on changes in the child’s needs.

A child who is developmentally delayed and eligible for California Regional Center (CRC) services may be eligible to receive a dual agency rate not to exceed the maximum rate of $4,157 per month.

California may extend AAP beyond age 18 to 21 if the child has disabilities or if they meet certain criteria and were adopted from foster care after their 16^th birthday.

Residential Treatment Facility may be supported by an increased AAP payment. Returning home has to be part of the placement plan, and the increase is only for 18 months per specific epsidoe.

California provides a subsidized guardianship program known as Kin-Gap. http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Kinship-Assistance.

Agreements and payment are with the county that had legal responsibility of the child.