Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:2-49-05 "Initial Determination of the Title IV-E Adoption Assistance (AA) Monthly Payment Amount," this procedure letter identifies an increase to the Title IV-E Monthly Adoption Assistance Statewide Maximum (MAASM). The first adoption assistance statewide maximum was calculated using the state fiscal year 2013 data from the statewide automated child welfare information system (SACWIS) and became effective July 1, 2014. It was stated in Family, Children and Adult Services procedure letter (FCASPL) No. 262, if the ceiling varies from state fiscal year (SFY) to SFY by more than ten percent, the MAASM would be amended and communicated in a FCASPL.

Effective July 1, 2020, the Title IV-E Monthly Adoption Assistance Statewide Maximum is $1162.

Any existing monthly AA payment in excess of the statewide maximum, prior to July 1, 2014, is to remain in effect and is to continue to receive federal financial participation (FFP) up to the current foster care maintenance (FCM) payment for a child in the same level of care.

The amount of the AA payment cannot exceed the amount the child would receive if he/she were in a foster home. If the FCM amount is less than the MAASM, the monthly AA subsidy cannot exceed the FCM amount. If the FCM amount is in excess of the MAASM, and both parties agree to an AA subsidy amount higher than the MAASM, federal funding is available up to the FCM amount the child would receive if he/she were currently in a foster home.

The MAASM waiver request is to be completed through SACWIS. Notification of approval or denial of the MAASM waiver request will be made within ten business days upon receipt of the waiver request as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rule 5101:2-49-05.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart shows what materials should be inserted into the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM).