NYSCCC Position Statement
Services and Eligibility Timeframes
for Post Adoption Services

 The most important features of an effective post adoption services program are:

• Open to all adoptive families, pre and post finalization
• No cost to adoptive families
• Implemenation on a statewide basis
• Statewide coordination to assure consistency in service delivery
• Outside program evaluation with pre-established performance measures
• Single entry point (toll free number, 24/7) for all post adoption service requests
• Adoption-competent service providers

Essential services needed:

Adoption is a lifelong process for all parties to an adoption: the birth parents, the adoptive parent(s), and the child. In order to assure successful adoption placements and the lifelong well-being of all participants, we advocate the expanded availability of post adoption services. Appropriate services should be available whenever the need is present. This may be in the child's pre-school, school-age, or adult years, or at any time in the lives of birth and adoptive parents. New York State families report the need for the following services:

• Information and Referral
• Case management and Service Planning
• Support Groups for Adoptive Parents, Birthparents, and Adoptees
• Parenting Programs
• Therapeutic Counseling: Diagnosis and Assessment, Family Counseling/Therapy, Individual Counseling/Therapy, Group Counseling/Therapy
• Respite Care
• Crisis Response Teams
• Residential Placement and Treatment Services
• Access to Birth and Adoption Records
• Advocacy Services

Eligibility Time Frames:

New York State Regulation 18NYCRR 421.8, Adoption Services, states "...Post adoption services may extend for three years from the date of the adoption decree." However, post adoption services are not routinely available anywhere in New York State. Targeted funding must be provided in order to assure the development of the post adoption supports which families need in order to secure the placements and, ultimately, to prevent the child's return to the foster care system.  An arbitrary time limit of three years denies the reality that adoption is a lifelong process, each stage having its particular challenge and each stage calling for an array of responses. It is not possible to put children's and families' needs on a three year time schedule. Post adoption services must be available whenever they are needed.

The Coalition strongly agrees with the Child Welfare League of America's position, which states unequivocally,"We believe that agencies are obligated to make available services to the parties to an adoption throughout their lives."