§ 108A-49. Foster care and adoption assistance payments. - North Carolina Statutes

§108A‑49.  Foster care and adoption assistance payments.

(a)        Benefits in theform of foster care assistance shall be granted in accordance with the rules ofthe Social Services Commission to any dependent child who would have beeneligible to receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children (as that programwas in effect on June 1, 1995), but for his or her removal from the home of aspecified relative for placement in a foster care facility; provided, that thechild's placement and care is the responsibility of a county department ofsocial services. A county department of social services shall pay, at aminimum, the monthly graduated foster care assistance payments for eligiblechildren as set by the General Assembly. A county department of social servicesmay make foster care assistance payments in excess of the monthly graduatedrates set by the General Assembly.

(b)        Adoption assistancepayments for certain adoptive children shall be granted in accordance with therules of the Social Services Commission to adoptive parents who adopt a childeligible to receive foster care maintenance payments or supplemental securityincome benefits; provided, that the child cannot be returned to his or herparents; and provided, that the child has special needs which create afinancial barrier to adoption. A county department of social services shallpay, at a minimum, the monthly graduated adoption assistance payments foreligible children as set by the General Assembly. A county department of socialservices may make adoption assistance payments in excess of the monthlygraduated rates set by the General Assembly.

(c)        The Department isauthorized to use available federal payments to states under Title IV‑Eof the Social Security Act for foster care and adoption assistance payments. (1981,c. 275, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 12.10; 1999‑190, s. 3.)