09 LC 38 0813S

House Bill 237 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

By: Representatives Lindsey of the 54th and Peake of the 137th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Code Section 49-5-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Human Resources with respect to programs and protection for children, so as to revise a provision relating to financial assistance for adoptive parents; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Code Section 49-5-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the powers and duties of the Department of Human Resources with respect to programs and protection for children, is amended by revising subparagraph (a)(7)(F) as follows:

"(F) Providing financial assistance after the consummation of a legal adoption to families adopting children who would otherwise remain in foster care at state expense once the child has been placed for adoption, determined eligible for assistance, and the adoption assistance agreement has been signed prior to the finalization of the adoption by all parties. Financial assistance may only be granted for hard-to-place children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities or with other problems for whom it is difficult to find a permanent home. Financial assistance may not exceed 100 percent of the amount that would have been paid for boarding such child in a family foster home and for special services such as medical care not available through insurance or public facilities. Such supplements shall only be available to families who could not provide for the child adequately without continued financial assistance. The department may review the supplements paid at any time but shall review them at least annually to determine the need for continued assistance;"

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.