Section 17a-118 - (Formerly Sec. 17-44c). Review and change in subsidy. Adoption assistance agreement and subsidy payment(a) There shall be a biennial review of the subsidy for a child under eighteen years of age and an annual review for a child who is at least eighteen years of age but less than twenty-one years of age. Such reviews shall be conducted by the Commissioner of Children and Families. The adoptive parents shall, at the time of such review, submit a sworn statement that the condition which caused the child to be certified as a special needs child or a related condition continues to exist or has reoccurred and that the adoptive parent or parents are still legally responsible for the support of the child and that the child is receiving support from the adoptive family. A child who is at least eighteen years of age but less than twenty-one years of age shall continue to receive an adoption subsidy, pursuant to section 17a-117, provided his or her adoptive parent submits, at the time of the review, a sworn statement that the child is (1) enrolled in a full-time approved secondary education program or an approved program leading to an equivalent credential; (2) enrolled full time in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education; or (3) participating full time in a program or activity approved by the commissioner that is designed to promote or remove barriers to employment. The commissioner, in his or her discretion, may waive the provision of full-time enrollment or participation based on compelling circumstances. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, may require that the adoptive parent or parents submit any additional documentation that the commissioner or designee deems necessary to complete such review. If the subsidy is to be terminated or reduced by the commissioner, notice of such proposed reduction or termination shall be given, in writing, to the adoptive parents and such adoptive parents shall, at least thirty days prior to the imposition of said reduction or termination, be provided a hearing by the department in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. If such an appeal is taken, the subsidy shall continue without modification until the final decision of the department.(b) A child who is a resident of the state of Connecticut when eligibility for subsidy is certified, shall remain eligible and continue to receive the subsidy regardless of the domicile or residence of the adoptive parents at the time of application for adoption, placement, legal decree of adoption or thereafter. If the Department of Children and Families is responsible for such child's placement and care, the department shall be responsible for entering into an adoption assistance agreement and paying any subsidy granted under the provisions of sections 17a-116 to 17a-120, inclusive. If a licensed child placing agency, other than the Department of Children and Families, or any public agency in another state is responsible for such child's placement and care, the adoption assistance application shall be made in the adoptive parents' state of residence and such state shall be responsible for determining that such child meets Title IV-E adoption assistance criteria and for providing adoption assistance permitted under federal law.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-118
(1972, P.A. 86, S. 3; P.A. 75-420, S. 4, 6; P.A. 77-614, S. 521, 610; P.A. 79-631, S. 67, 111; P.A. 80-483, S. 72, 186; P.A. 86-330, S. 4, 9; P.A. 88-94, S. 2, 3; P.A. 93-91, S. 1, 2; P.A. 00-4, S. 2; P.A. 03-243, S. 3; P.A. 14-217, S. 236; P.A. 15-199, S. 8; P.A. 17-81, S. 3.)
Amended by P.A. 17-0081, S. 3 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2017 Regular Session, eff. 7/1/2017.Amended by P.A. 15-0199, S. 8 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2015 Regular Session, eff. 7/1/2015.Amended by P.A. 14-0217, S. 236 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2014 Regular Session, eff. 6/13/2014.