For Foster & Adoptive Parents

Adoptive Parent Resources

Adoptive Parent Resources

Post Adoption Services

Post Adoption Services are provided by Southern Christian Services for Children & Youth, Inc. (SCSCY) through a partnership with MDCPS to stabilize and maintain adoptive placements. The following services can be accessed through SCSCY:

  • Case Management
  • Crisis Stabilization
  • Information & Referrals
  • Advocacy
  • Respite Services
  • Short Term Groups
  • Therapy
  • International Adoptions (services are available to families who have adopted through international adoption) 

Visit SCSCY Website

Call SCSCY at 601-354-0983 

What you need to know about Adoption Assistance

What is Adoption Assistance?

Adoption Assistance is a supplemental financial benefit to assist families adopting an eligible child. Assistance may come in monthly payments, Medicaid healthcare coverage, and reimbursement for certain one-time expenses. Authorization for Adoption Assistance is based upon the needs of the child. 

Who Is Eligible for Adoption Assistance?

Any child who meets the definition of special needs will qualify for adoption assistance in Mississippi until they are of age.  

How is Adoption Assistance Eligibility Determined?

A child’s eligibility for Adoption Assistance is based on a three-part requirement established by section 473 (c) of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Social Security Act (click to view on SSA Website). All three parts must be met for a child to be considered special needs and qualify for Adoption Assistance. 

When does the Adoption Assistance Payment Begin & End?

Adoption Assistance payments begin after the adoption is finalized and end when the child or youth reaches the age of eighteen (18). In some cases, adoption assistance may be extended past a child’s eighteenth (18) birthday. Adoption Assistance is reviewed annually for continued eligibility. 

Who Will Be the Contact for Adoption Assistance Payments After the Adoption is Finalized?

The Adoption Assistance program is administered by MDCPS Permanency Support Services/Adoption Unit. This unit is responsible for maintaining and managing the Adoption Assistance record for each adoptive family. After finalization, the adoptive family will be assigned a post-adoption specialist (assignment will be based on the first letter of the adoptive family’s last name). Monthly adoption assistance payments will be electronically deposited to your Way2Go Card® account on the 15th of each month. Please get in touch with your post-adoption specialist to report any changes that may have occurred, impacting the amount of adoption assistance payments. 

Post Adoption Specialists
Post Adoption Supervisor

What are additional benefits offered through the Adoption Assistance program?

  • Mississippi Medicaid Health Benefits
  • Non-Recurring Adoption Expenses
  • MDCPS will reimburse non-recurring, one-time adoption expenses (court cost, attorney fees, and revised birth certificate) up to $600.00 per child.

Helpful Resources

Foster Parent College

FosterParentCollege.com® (FPC) provides innovative, interactive online courses for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents. Their self-paced training is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. FPC training is recognized by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, based on studies of FPC courses that have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

Visit FPC Website

Children's Bureau

As part of its centennial celebration, the Children's Bureau researched and produced a history of its first 100 years. The resulting e-book combines compelling text with striking historical images to tell the story of a small Federal agency that took on some of the most devastating social problems of the time, including high infant mortality, child labor, and child abuse and neglect. The e-book puts this history in the context of changing world events and social movements. It also offers a look at some of the determined leaders who helped shape the Bureau to be what it is today--a strong advocate for America's children and families.

Open a PDF of "Ensuring the Right to Childhood" by the Children's Bureau

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a podcast that covers many helpful topics for foster parents. Click the links below to find the following podcast episodes on their website.

Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA)

In 2023, the Mississippi State Legislature created the Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA) program (click to view SB 2781). Administered by the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General, MAMA is a website and mobile app to connect pregnant women and new mothers with resources available in Mississippi. The list of categories and some of the services available on the website include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Health
  • Adoption
  • Food
  • Goods
  • Safety
  • Money
  • Child Care

Visit MAMA Website