Adoption Assistance

Thinking About Adoption?

Adoption Assistance can help families meet the needs of children with special needs. Contact your local department of social services (LDSS) for details and next steps.

Overview

Adoption Assistance is a program that helps families adopt children with special needs from Virginia’s foster care system. The goal is to remove barriers to adoption and ensure every child can grow up in a permanent, loving home.

The program helps families cover both ordinary and special needs so children can thrive.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility must be determined before the adoption is finalized.
Not every family will need every type of assistance.
Benefits are decided through a negotiation process between the adoptive family and program staff.
Assistance depends on the child’s needs, the family’s situation and available community resources.

Types of Adoption Assistance

One-time payment for legal fees to help with adoption finalization costs
Monthly maintenance payments to support daily living expenses
Medicaid to cover the child’s medical and behavioral health needs
Specialized service payments when additional services are needed to support the child

Why It Matters

Adoption Assistance helps make adoption possible for children who might otherwise wait longer in foster care. It ensures families have the financial and medical support they need to provide stability, care and opportunity.