A bit late, but this ACL transmits information and instructions on the effect of the AB X4 4 budget bill on the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP). A provision of this bill terminates the age-related increases for payments, effective January 1, 2010. However, a family may request an AAP benefit increase at any time, based on the reassessment of the child’s needs and the
circumstances of the family.

This ACL also provides information and instructions on the enactment of The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 as it relates to AAP eligibility. This bill gradually Public Law 110-351 gradually removes the requirement of 1996 AFDC income linkage. The “de-link” begins October 1, 2009. The letter sets out the definitions and phase in period. [Download]

Family Code section 8919 lists the requirements that must be met in order for a readoption order to be issued by a California Superior Court. The bill also established alternative requirements for readoption when the original adoption occurred in a country whose adoption standards have been certified by CDSS. This letter explains that CDSS will certify countries that meet the adoption standards of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptions (Hague Convention) and implementing federal regulations, if the adoption was finalized after April 1, 2008. The letter also discusses Alternative Method of Readoption Family Code section 8919(c)3 and lists certified foreign countries. [Download]

This ACL provides interim direction in the following areas: AAP Eligibility, Agreements and Payment Amounts; Reassessments; and Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses. This ACL supersedes the following AAP regulations: 35333 (c)(2); 35333 (c)(3); 35343 (b)(2)(E). [Download]