Post-Adoptions Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Communities Connected for Kids, and why are they calling me?
Communities Connected for Kids (CCKids) is the Circuit 19 Community Based Care Agency. While Children’s Home Society completes Adoption Case Management through a contract with our agency, CCKids maintains ongoing services related to your child’s adoption. We will reach out to you around the first anniversary of your adoption. CCKids has a Post Adoption Services staff member ready to assist you, if needed. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns!
CCKids will facilitate payment of your monthly adoption subsidy on behalf of the Department of Children and Families. Your monthly payment amount is based upon your signed subsidy agreement and will continue to be paid until the child reaches the age of 18, or until they are no longer in your custody. Please review your actual subsidy agreement for details regarding your monthly payment.
Because CCKids will be mailing important documents and checks, please be sure to update your mailing address with us immediately following any changes. We do not permit the US Postal Service to forward mail – it is returned to us. If you enrolled in direct deposit for your monthly subsidy check, please ensure you provide CCKids with any changes to your banking information.
CCKids will provide the college tuition waiver documentation upon request when your child is ready to take college classes.
What happens to my child’s Medicaid coverage?
After your adoption finalizes, CCKids will change your child’s Medicaid coverage into his/her new adopted name (if applicable). The adoptive parent becomes the ‘payee’ and is in control of the coverage. We will ensure the coverage remains active until the child turns 18 years old. It is the responsibility of the parent to choose a Medicaid Managed Care plan and pick a primary care physician. Since your child is adopted, he/she continues to be eligible for the Sunshine Child Welfare Specialty Plan. This plan was designed specifically for children who are/were involved with the Dependency system, or for those who have found their forever home. Information on the Sunshine Child Welfare Plan can be found at: www.sunshinehealth.com.
If you are moving out of state and have questions regarding Medicaid eligibility in the new state, please contact CCKids, so we can assist you with this process. It is helpful to have prescriptions filled before you move. Depending upon the state there could be a slight delay in activating coverage. If you are already living out of state, CCKids will apply your child for Medicaid in the state of your residence. Afterwards you will be in charge of your child’s Medicaid benefit according to the regulations in that state.
My child was eligible for Social Security Benefits. Can we still collect the benefit?
After adoptions is finalized, you should contact the local Social Security Administration to inform them of change in your child’s status. Social Security will collect an application for disability benefits and determine your child’s eligibility based upon needs of the child and household income. If your child is approved for benefits, there is no need to contact CCKids as Medicaid coverage is an additional benefit from the Social Security Administration.
If your child is denied for Social Security benefits, please contact CCKids as soon as possible. We will assist you in activating the Medicaid coverage for your child.
The Communities Connected for Kids adoption staff is more than happy to help answer any questions you may have. We are here to support you and your adopted child. Please reach out to us for assistance anytime. Call 772-873-7800 and ask for the post-adoption specialist.
