HB297 Summary

• Amends Alabama adoption subsidy laws to define key terms including "adoption subsidy," "child," "emotional ties," and various disabilities that qualify children for assistance.

• Establishes subsidy eligibility requirements: children in state custody must be legally free for adoption with special needs, and departments must make reasonable efforts to locate adoptive families without subsidies before certifying eligibility.

• Authorizes written subsidy agreements between the Department of Human Resources and adoptive parents specifying payment amounts, services, and duration, which may commence at placement or after final adoption decree.

• Requires annual sworn certification from adoptive parents that the child remains under their care and the qualifying condition persists; permits modification or termination based on substantial changes in circumstances.

• Extends subsidy payments for children adopted after age 16 until age 21 if the child is enrolled in education, employed at least 80 hours monthly, participating in employment programs, or has a disability requiring continued support.

• Provides appeal rights within 30 days of notice for denied applications or reduced/terminated subsidies in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.