Fees and Reimbursement

Adoption Fees

TLC requests a $500 fee from adoptive families, which can be reduced or waived for financial reasons. Expenses incurred during the application process-adoption fee, fingerprinting, medical exam, etc.-are reimbursable up to $400 per adopted child.

Foster children who are adopted are eligible for the Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) (PDF). This program provides financial and medical care assistance to families who adopt special needs children who would otherwise remain in foster care. AAP continues until the child reaches the age of 18, or age 21 if the child has a mental or physical handicap that warrants continuation of benefits.

Adoption care reimbursement

All foster and fost-adoption parents receive monthly reimbursement (prorated for partial months) for the board and care of their foster care children. This reimbursement is not considered income and it is not taxable. Therefore, the child is not listed as a dependent on your tax rate form. The current care rate is $845 per month per child. This care rate is paid from birth through 17 years of age.