PASSS
stands for
Post-Adoption
Special
Services Subsidy. It is a state-funded,
county-administered subsidy created by
Ohio to help adoptive families in need
of special services.
PASSS acts as a safety net to stabilize
and support families when other
resources available to a parent just
aren't enough. Unlike other subsidies,
PASSS can be started after an adoption
has been finalized.
Excerpted
from
this handbook 5/04 - still current
The Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy is a unique subsidy designed
to assist Ohio
families after the finalization of their adoption. The subsidy is
available to all adoptive
families, with the exception of step parent adoptions, regardless of
the type of adoption
(international, attorney, public or private agency). The child does not
have to meet either the
federal or state definition of special needs.
How do I know if my child is eligible
for PASSS?
In order to qualify for PASSS the following criteria must be met:
- The child must have a special need consisting of a physical,
developmental,
mental, or emotional condition;
- The child's special need must have existed before the adoption
was
finalized or
can be attributed to a pre-adoptive condition;
- The child is less than 18 years of age (or is less than 21 years
of
age and
mentally or physically handicapped);
- The family has explored other sources of assistance, but the
sources
are
inadequate or are not available to meet the needs of the child;
- The expenses are beyond the economic resources of the adoptive
family;
- The child is not in the custody of a PCSA or PCPA;
- The family resides in the state of Ohio.
My spouse and I have a good income,
but the costs of the types of
services for my
child's treatment needs are getting ahead of us. Is there an income
limitation or
sliding scale?
There is no fixed income limit for PASSS. The main concern is if the
service your child
requires is beyond the family's ability to provide. Therefore, even if
you have a good
income, if the cost of service is beyond your economic resources, you
may be able to
receive assistance.
What types of services will PASSS
cover?
PASSS is intended to pay for services not covered under other adoption
subsidy
programs, insurance programs or Medicaid. PASSS funds may be used to
cover
medical or psychological services that are deemed necessary to meet the
needs of the
child. Respite care and the maintenance costs of residential treatment
programs may
also be covered under the PASSS program. PASSS will not cover
educational
services or activities solely designed to improve self-esteem.