On-going Issues
The following are other issues which need attention:
1. Data collection on adoption disruptions/dissolutions and the availability and delivery of preventive services – In order to get a better understanding of post adoption service needs, we need to know if children in foster care have experienced an adoption disruption or dissolution. Data comparable to that which is required by the Hague Convention for international adoptions needs to be collected for all domestic adoptions. Similarly, knowing more about preventive services provided by local districts and associated costs will provide important benchmarks and help further determine service needs.
2. Electronic payment of adoption subsidies and foster care board payment – Electronic payments to adoptive families and foster families will save state dollars and meet adoptive/foster parents’ needs for timely and convenient payments.
3. Tuition waivers for youth in or formerly in foster care for college or vocational training – Foster and former foster care youth need financial support for post secondary education or training. Providing tuition waivers for NYS institutions would provide youth with the ability to achieve the education needed for improved long-term outcomes and productive adulthood, and at minimal cost to the state.
