You are here:

Adoption Issues/Adoption Subsidy turning 18

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/14/2011


Question
We have adopted a special needs child who will be turning 18 in a couple weeks. His biological mother found him months ago online, and he was thrilled to say the least.  He wants to visit his mother.  He also has a brother, and a sister that he has grieved for, for years. He has been SO happy since he found his bio family.
I have spoken with his mother many times and I feel comfortable with him visiting.  He says he now feels complete.  He remembers his Mom and sister and is really looking forward to spending time with them.
If he visits his family, and decides that is where he wants to live, what would I need to do to insure that his Medicaid does not lapse?  They live outside the state.
He is going into his Senior year next year at school, so he does still qualify for Medicaid until he gets out of school.
If he decides to stay with his biological family would it be best for him to file for SSI in that state (which he will more than likely qualify for)?  His plans are to go for the summer, but I really don't believe that he will be willing to leave his family again, he has wanted this for so long, and he will be 18, so that will be his decision.  
I don't want to stop everything here (his benefits), and then he decide to come home and have to try and get everything re-started.
Please tell me what the best thing is to do.
Thank you so much.

Answer
Hello Debra,

I would say that you should just give it time without doing anything.  Let him visit and I would just leave everything as is for at least a couple of months.  If he then decides to remain there, I'd change the Medicaid and have his benefits changed. Don't jump the gun yet though.  Alot of times the fantasy far outweighs the reality of reuniting with family.  I hope that helps.

All the best,
Chandricka Mose

Adoption Issues

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Chandricka R. Mose, LCSW-C, LICSW, ACSW

Expertise

EXTENSIVE!! I can answer questions about issues pertaining to foster care, treatment foster care, foster care to adopt matters, kinship care, reunification and homestudy concerns and process.

Experience

I have 20 years of experience ih this arena. I have worked in preventing youth from entering care and provided case management to youth and families in care. I have conducted and supervised training for foster and adoptive parents in both the presercive and inservice phases. I have conducted and supervised parenting skills training for parents seeking to regain custody of their children. I also held positions as program supervisor and director of foster care services. I am an advocate for youth, professionals and parents that find theselves involved in the foster care and/or adoption process. I have also experienced foster care and adoption personally as I grew up with a mom who provided foster care services and have two adopted siblings.

Organizations
I am on the Advisory Committee of Kayla's Village. This is an advocacy and training organization for youth, professionals and parents involved with the child welfare system.

Publications
I have not been published, but serve as the social work expert at the Kayla's Village ask the expert free on-line service. I have also presented at a national conference on foster care and adoption issues.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Social Work from Howard University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. I am clinically licensed in both Maryland and Washington, DC.

Awards and Honors
I was once honored as Employee of the Year.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.