The Department of Children and Families shall, within available appropriations, prepare an information handbook for any individual interested in adopting a child with special needs. The department and child-placing agencies shall give the handbook to such interested individual no later than the beginning of the home study process. The handbook shall contain information concerning matters relating to adoption and adoption assistance including, but not limited to, nondiscrimination practices set forth in section 45a-726, postplacement and postadoption services, adoption subsidies, deferred subsidy agreements, modification of rates and agreements, health care support, reimbursements, assistance if the family moves out of state and the right to records and information related to the history of the child, including information available under subsection (a) of section 45a-746. The handbook shall be developed and updated by the Commissioner of Children and Families with the advice and assistance of the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Families and at least two other licensed child-placing agencies in Connecticut designated by the commissioner.

(P.A. 99-252, S. 2; P.A. 00-137, S. 10.)

History: P.A. 00-137 changed time of giving handbook from at the time of home study to no later than the beginning of the home study process, and added provision requiring that handbook contain information concerning nondiscrimination practices set forth in Sec. 45a-726.

See Sec. 17a-118 re responsibility of Department of Children and Families for adoption assistance agreement and subsidy payment.