Frequently Asked Questions and Answers!

What is The Georgia Center for Resources and Support?

The Georgia Center for Resources and Support was designed in 2001 by the Georgia Department of Human Resources and contracted to Families First and Bethany Christian Services. The purpose of the Center was to provide a centralized resource for adoptive parents to help them locate the help they needed to be successful in meeting the needs of their adopted children.

On July 1, 2004, The Georgia Center for Resources and Support: Serving Adoptive and Foster Families expanded those services to meet the needs of both adoptive and foster families who reside in Georgia.

The Center is located at 2250 North Druid Hills Road in Atlanta, and houses the library and administrative office there. Regional Resource Advisors are located in communities throughout the state and are available to help families clarify their needs, locate resources, and feel supported as they resolve issues brought to their families through adoption and foster care.

The Center cooperates with and coordinates referrals to many resources throughout the state. It is a non-profit, professional service offered free of charge to all adoptive and foster families living in Georgia. In addition, adoptive families who reside in Georgia can utilize these services regardless of the origin of their adoption.

 

What is the purpose of The Georgia Center for Resources and Support?

The mission of The Georgia Center for Resources and Support is "to establish a seamless, comprehensive support network of post placement services to strengthen adoptive and foster families throughout Georgia". In other words, we are here to help adoptive and foster families succeed. Our motto is "Serving adoptive and foster families". Perhaps your family would enjoy meeting other adoptive or foster families to share social activities, perhaps you need to locate a therapist for your child, or perhaps you are considering ending your relationship with your adopted child... whatever the need, wherever it falls on the spectrum... we would like to help you find resources for you and your family.

 

What services does The Georgia Center for Resources and Support offer?

· Support in accessing information and referrals facilitated state-wide through our Regional Resource Advisors

· Our Resource Center - including an adoption lending library and professional social work staff

· Families Together "buddy program" and assistance with adoptive parent support groups.

· Computer Web-based Resources linked to our web site

· Computer Bulletin Board and Chats

· E-mail Announcement Lists

· Special Events

· Calendar of Events

 

Who are the partners in providing The Georgia Center for Resources and Support?

The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Families First, Inc. and Bethany Christian Services have joined together to create the program. See our Partners page for more information.

 

How can you get help?

CALL 1-866-A-PARENT

 

How can you get involved?

Please call us at 1-866 A-PARENT or email us at info@gacrs.org if you would like to participate in an adoptive or foster parent support group, or be a buddy family to another adoptive or foster family. Please visit our Bulletin Board and share information of interest to other adoptive and foster parents. If you have heard about an excellent service or community professional who can meet the needs of adopted or foster children, please let us know. Have you read a good book that is not on our library list? Tell us about it. Have you read one on the list and want to urge others to read it? Send us your comments through the Bulletin Board! Would you like to participate in a Web chat on a special topic? Let us know. Visit the Web chats that we have scheduled, and come to the events that are listed on our calendar. In other words, please be in touch with us so that all of us together can meet the needs of adoptive and foster families and children throughout the state.

What is the definition of a child with "special needs"?

In the State of Georgia a child who is considered special needs for the purpose of adoption meets the following criteria:

 

a. Any child eight years of age or older.

b. Any child of African-American heritage who is one year of age or older.

c. Members of a sibling group of three or more who are placed together.

d. Members of a sibling group of two where one is over the age of eight or has another special need.

e. Any child with documented physical, emotional or mental impairments or limitations.

 

Children who are adopted from outside of the Georgia foster care system might meet the definition of having special needs, but not qualify for certain services based on not having been in Georgia State custody.

 

What is adoption assistance? What is subsidy?

Adoption Assistance, also sometimes called subsidy, is a financial and usually medical benefit (Medicaid) that is available to any child with special needs who has been in the custody of the Georgia Department of Human Resources and has been placed by DHR in an adoptive home. Criteria for eligibility must include all three of the following: the child has special needs as defined above, the State has determined that the child can not return home, and there has been an unsuccessful effort made to place the child for adoption without Adoption Assistance.

 

How does a child qualify for Medicaid?

The adopted child must receive Adoption Assistance or SSI.

 

What other health care benefits are available?

On a case by case basis Special Services Adoption Assistance might be provided by the State to meet special equipment, counseling, or other services not covered by Medicaid. This is available only for children receiving adoption assistance from Georgia.

 

What if I did not adopt through the Georgia Department of Human Resources?

The Georgia Center for Resources and Support is here to help all families in Georgia who are seeking post adoption resources. You might also find the following information helpful.


Other states: You should contact the state that did your adoption for the latest information on Post Adoption services. The Center can help you locate information from that state. Many states can offer you services even though you now live in Georgia.

 

International: You should contact the agency who facilitated your placement or did your homestudy for information on resources. Some agencies have international camps for children and other Post Adoption programs. The Center can help you identify resources in Georgia that might be of interest to your family. We have several support groups that specialize in children from other countries, and families that are available to chat with you about shared experiences. There is a non-reoccurring payment for children with special needs provided by the state of Georgia. Ask your Adoption Social Worker about this benefit.

 

Private agency: You should contact the agency that did your placement for information on their services. Most agencies have post adoption activities or support groups. Services of the Center and the Regional Resource Advisors are also available.

 

Lawyer: Contact the agency that did your homestudy for advice on their resources. The Center is also happy to help you meet your family's needs.

 

I have just moved to Georgia with an adopted child receiving adoption assistance that includes Medicaid. How can I get my child certified to receive Georgia Medicaid?

As the majority of states are members of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, applications for Medicaid are usually initiated by the state that placed your child for adoption. For non-member states, parent(s) must have a copy of their adoption assistance agreement and apply at the DFCS office in their county of residence.

 

If I am adopted, how can I get information about my background and birth relatives?

(This process is commonly called an "adoption search".) Georgia has a special project entitled the Reunion Registry. More information can be gotten by calling the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry at 404-657-3555. Families First in Atlanta holds frequent "search orientation" workshops.

 

In addition, for more information two "search" information websites are linked to this site:

 

American Adoption Congress: www.americanadoptioncongress.org

 

Concerned United Birthparents (CUB): www.cubirthparents.org

Who are the children waiting for adoption?

Many children are waiting for permanent adoptive homes in Georgia. Most have come from backgrounds of abuse or neglect, and many have lived in the foster care system for several years. Many have emotional, physical, or learning difficulties. Some are brothers and sisters who need to stay together. Many are African American, and many are school age. They are all waiting for the love and security that only a permanent family can offer. Visit www.myturnnow.com for more information.

 

How do I get more information about specific children waiting for adoption in Georgia?

Contact the Homes for Georgia's Kids project at 1-877-210-KIDS. Also, you can visit the DFCS/State Adoption Unit web site and learn about children waiting in Georgia at www.adoptions.dhr.state.ga.us or www.myturnnow.com. The sites have pictures and information on waiting children.

 

What if I want to adopt an infant?

Infant or toddler adoption can be explored through agency adoption (both public and private), independent adoption through an attorney, and intercountry adoption. Many infant adoptions are now "open adoptions", and involve direct contact between the adopting family and the birth parents placing the child for adoption. A family can contact a number of agencies to learn about their procedures for approving families for adoption. All families will need to complete the "home study" process to be eligible to adopt. For more information on "Child Placing Agencies" who provide adoption homestudies in Georgia contact the Office of Regulatory Services at (404) 657-5562 or www.ors.dhr.state.ga.us or www.galaa.org.

 

How can I begin the adoption process?

For information on adoption services in Georgia contact 1-877-210-KIDS. For a list of licensed Child Placing Agencies doing adoption services contact the Office of Regulatory Services at 404-657-5562. For more FAQ's regarding adopting in Georgia visit the DFCS/State Adoption Unit web site brochure at www.adoptions.dhr.state.ga.us/brochns.htm.

 

What is a home study?

A home study, also called a family assessment, is both a series of meetings with a social worker and a family, and the report describing the family that is completed at the end of these meetings. The home study process varies from agency to agency, but usually includes a training group, a home visit, and individual and joint interviews with husband and wife. It is a time for a family to ask all of their questions about adopting and to decide the type of child that would be right for their family.

 

Where can I go for a home study?

Contact your local Department of Family and Children's Services, which can be located at www2.state.ga.us/departments/dhr/dfcsdir2.html or the DHR Office of Regulatory Services for information on agencies doing homestudies in your area. The DHR ORS can also be reached for a search for Child Placing Agencies at www.ors.dhr.state.ga.us and www.galaa.org.

 

How long will it take to adopt?

The home study process usually includes a pre-service training group that lasts for several weeks. Most home studies are completed in less than 6 months. There is a waiting period for all adoptions. The time frame varies with the type of child being adopted and the agency.

 

What will it cost to adopt?

Services for adopting a child with special needs in the state of Georgia are available at no cost.

 

Costs of adopting a healthy infant in the United States through a private agency are usually several thousand dollars. Independent adoption costs vary from case to case. Foreign adoptions are costly, as well. Families can pay between $10,000 and $25,000 in fees and travel and living expenses while in the foreign country. Families are encouraged to explore the costs of adoption thoroughly when they begin the process.

 

Will there be financial assistance after I adopt?

Most children registered with the State as having special needs have been already classified as eligible for financial assistance, called Adoption Assistance or subsidy. It is important that you discuss Adoption Assistance with your social worker prior to adoption.

 

How can I begin the adoption process?

For information on adoption services in Georgia contact 1-877-210-KIDS. For more FAQ's regarding adopting in Georgia visit the DFCS/State Adoption Unit web site brochure at www.adoptions.dhr.state.ga.us/brochns.htm

What are the requirements for a foster parent in the state of Georgia?

The basic requirements include:

• Criminal records check
• Drug screen
• Medical examination
• Meet home safety requirements
• References
• Completion of a 20-hour pre-service parent preparation program including a family assessment
• A Georgia license and Social Security card

 

What is the preparation and selection program?

The program, called IMPACT (Initial Interest, Mutual Selection, Pre-Service Training, Assessment, Continuing Development, Teamwork), will prepare you to be an adoptive or foster parent. You will learn learn about the agency and the special needs of children in foster care. The program is used to prepare prospective adoptive/foster parents for their roles and help them decide whether they want to foster, adopt, or foster to adopt.

 

What other trainings are available?

Other opportunities for foster parent development are available throughout the year. The training will be relevant to the skills required in parenting a child in care.

 

How many children in foster care am I allowed to provide care for in my home?

It depends on many factors: the level of needs of the child, the size of your home, and the number of adults and children already in your home, are among the factors considered. Generally, you may have up to six children in your home, including your own.

 

I have heard that many of the children who need a foster home have medical and/or behavioral needs. Is this true?

Yes. Many of the children in foster care have medical and/or behavioral problems. It takes especially skilled people to open their homes to these special children. Special training will be provided if you care for one of these children.

 

Are there other ways I can volunteer if I decide during or after the training that being a foster parent is not for me?

Yes. Being a foster parent is not for everyone. Families who choose not to foster or adopt may participate as a team in other ways. Some of the ways you can volunteer include:

• Serving as a foster care respite provider
• Serving on a citizen's review panel in your county
• Participating in Secret Santa and other events
• Operating a clothing closet or food pantry
• Sharing information about foster parenting at your place of work or worship, and other areas of the community
• Becoming a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Contact your local DFCS office if you are interested in volunteering for any of these activities.

 

How much do I get paid for being a foster parent?

Foster parents are volunteers and are not paid employees. You will be reimbursed at the end of each month at the present rate of $12.45-$14.25 per day for each child in your home.

 

Will the state help me with other expenses?

Yes. The state is fully responsible for the cost of having a child in care. In addition to the reimbursement rate, the state also pays for medical care and the following expenses:

CLOTHING. When a child first enters care, the state provides an initial clothing allowance of $150.00 for children birth to 12 and $300.00 for youth 13 and over. An additional clothing allowance of $100.00 is also provided.

CHILD- RELATED SERVICES. Psychological, psychiatric, and speech therapy, as well as child care for foster parents who are working or attending agency required training.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ITEMS. This includes child care restraint devices (car seats, booster seats, etc.) and safety helmets.

 

Is the reimbursement I receive as a foster parent taxed?

The basic rate and other expenses reimbursed to you (by the county DFCS Office) are not considered income and are not taxable, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tax laws vary from year to year. You should consult with the IRS or your personal tax consultant before filing a tax return.

 

Where can I obtain general information about the foster care program?

You may call 1-877-210-KIDS, a DFCS sponsored, toll- free number, open Monday-Friday, 9:a.m. to 4:30p.m.

 

What do I do next?

Being a foster parent is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity for families such as yours to help other families and children in their community who are less fortunate.

 

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