The Adoption Assistance Connection to 21 Program
Not Same as Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
I am not sure how many Ohio families and young adults are familiar with the Adoption Assistance Connections to 21 (AAC 21) program. AAC 21 is part of an overall effort to provide support for foster youth as they navigate the difficult transition to adulthood. The program is currently serving 75 Ohio families. Here are some of its key features.
The AAC 21 program is not an extension of the Title IV-E Adoption Assistance program. Both programs offer similar benefits that may extend beyond the age of 18, which can be a source of confusion.
To qualify for the AAC 21 program, children must be adopted at the ages of 16 or 17. This one of the requirements that distinguishes AAC 21 from IV-E Adoption Assistance.
Unlike IV-E Adoption Assistance, adoptive parents apply for AAC 21 after the final decree of adoption. They may apply before their child reaches 18, but the agreement for benefits may not be completed, nor benefits started until age 18 at the earliest. Parents may also apply for AAC 21 benefits after their young adult child reaches 18. Benefits end at age 21.
Other Eligibility Requirements for AAC 21
The adoptive parent(s) must have parental responsibility for the child/young adult. In addition to the above age requirements, the child/young adult must meet one of the following requirements. (OAC 5101:2-49-02)
In the process of completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential.
Enrolled in an institution that provides post-secondary or vocational education, including a college or university.
Participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove obstacles to employment.
Employed for a minimum of eighty hours per month. or
Incapable of doing any of the above activities due to a physical or mental health condition. The incapacity must be confirmed on a semi-annual basis.
Finally, in order to qualify, young adults must not be married, enlisted in the military or in receipt of IV-E Adoption Assistance payments beyond the age of 18.
Benefits of the AAC 21 Program
The benefits of the AAC 21 are much the same as those of the IV-E Adoption Assistance program, including a negotiated monthly payment and Medicaid. There are some differences.
a. Adoptive parent applicants apply to and negotiate with representatives of the State Department of Children and Youth, not Ohio County Agencies.
b. The maximum negotiated payment is the “maximum” in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ (ODJFS) "Family, Children and Adult Services Manual Procedure Letter." The current maximum rate is $1,162 per month. By contrast, the maximum IV-E Adoption Assistance payment is the foster care payment the child would receive if he or she were placed in foster care at the time of the negotiation or re-negotiation.
How to Apply
Carrie Block is the resident specialist on the AAC 21 program at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. She is very responsive to questions and advises interested families or young adults to contact her at adoptionassistancetoage21@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov . Unlike the IV-E Adoption Assistance programs, applications are submitted directly to the state Department of Children and Youth at the above address. More information may found at https://jfs.ohio.gov/child-and-adult-protection-foster-and-adoption/services-for-families-and-children/bridges/resources/adoption-assistance-connections-aac .