Adoption Benefit Program
The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet provides financial assistance to state employees in the Executive Branch for costs directly related to the adoption of a child. The Adoption Benefit Program provides up to $5,000 per family for costs related to the adoption of a special needs child, and up to $3,000 per family for any other adoption. The money is provided by existing funds from the agency where the adoptive parent is employed, not to exceed $150,000 total in one year.
How to apply
When the adoption is final, contact your Personnel Administrator or the Office of Employee Relations for an Adoption Reimbursement Application (MSWord-35 KB), Adoption Reimbursement Notification Letter (MSWord-23KB), and Affidavit of Expenses (MSWord-29KB). These forms may also be downloaded. Complete the Adoption Reimbursement Notification Letter and submit it to your appointing authority. Then, submit the following to the adoption contact person at the Personnel Cabinet:
- Adoption Reimbursement Application;
- copy of the finalization of the adoption;
- certification by the Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services that the adopted child is a special needs child, if reimbursement for special needs adoption is sought, and;
- copy of an affidavit of expenses related to the adoption.
If both adoptive parents are Executive Branch employees, only one may apply for financial assistance.
Special Needs Adoption Program
SNAP stands for the Special Needs Adoption Program through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Children are referred to SNAP after a specific period of time in state care without a family match. SNAP children may be more difficult to place because they may be older, part of sibling groups, or have physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Only special needs adoptions require CHFS approval.
Other Available Benefits
Adoptive parents are eligible for the same benefits offered to birth parents. These include Family and Medical Leave and health care insurance for your child.
History
Dave Thomas, founder of the successful Wendy’s chain, was adopted when he was six weeks old. He credits his success to his belief that “I wouldn’t be where I am today without a family.” Mr. Thomas felt so strongly about adoption that he established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. His foundation has served as a national model for benefit packages for workers who adopt. Mr. Thomas approached former Governor Paul Patton about the idea of creating an Adoption Benefit Program for state government employees. Governor Patton directed the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet to research the feasibility of establishing such a program. On November 1, 1998, he signed an executive order creating a mechanism whereby state employees could be reimbursed for adoption costs.
KY Administrative Regulation
Adoption Regulations 101 KAR 2:102 (PDF-15KB)
Contact Information
Darlene Stewart
Adoption Benefit Program, Program Coordinator
Office of Employee Relations
State Office Building
501 High Street, 3rd Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Office: (502)564-5953
Fax: (502)564-4311