Manitoba Adoption Assistance Program

https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/adoption.html

Manitoba Adoption of a Permanent Ward:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/adopt_wards.html

In Manitoba a child is eligible for assistance if they meet the following definition of special needs:

• has a diagnosed physical or mental condition;
• has a diagnosed emotional or behaviourial disturbance;
• is at high risk of developing such conditions;
• has a need for permanency with a family with whom there are significant emotional ties,
• has a need for a culturally compatible family or extended family,
• is a a member of a sibling group.

For special services such as counselling, there is no standard rate. For on-going assistance (per diems) the amount is calculated based on family income and size. The maximum is half the daily maintenance rate for foster care. For example, as of January 1, 2008 a child under 10 in the southern part of the province would qualify for $11.94 maximum per day. Age 11 and over it increases to $14.59 per day. Northern rates are higher.

There are three types of financial assistance: start up costs (one time costs); special services (e.g. counselling); and on-going (per diem). Special services may include: counselling, play therapy, and speech therapy are services for which parents are able to receive reimbursement, and must be formally specified in the adoption assistance agreement.

Extraordinary dental treatment such as orthodontic work or the cost of medication related to a child’s special needs, for example, may be covered.
Adoption Assistance ends on the youth’s 18th birthday.

Family income and size are used to determine the amount of ongoing assistance (per diem). This is through the Financial Assistance Regulation. For special services, the family must use any public program that is available and if they have private insurance coverage, they must access it first.