In accordance with federal and state law, federal Title IV-E adoption assistance payments must be established through a written agreements negotiated between the adopting parents and the responsible county agency. Let us suppose the parents and agency arrive at an adoption assistance agreement of $1,000 per month. Under the revised 2008 funding, the fiscal responsibility would break down as follows:
| Total Monthly Adoption Assistance Payment:$1,000 | Federal Share | State Share | County Share |
| First $300 | $180 (60%) | $120 (40%) | $0 |
| Remaining $700 | $420 (60%) | $0 | $280 (40%) |
| Totals $1,000 | $600 (60%) | $120 (12%) | $280 (28%) |
The increase in state financial participation will apply to initial federal Title IV-E adoption assistance agreements negotiated after January 1, 2008. The measure will also apply to adoption assistance agreements that are amended after that date.
The State Adoption Maintenance Subsidy (SAMS) is a non- IV-E subsidy financed entirely without federal dollars. Beginning in January 2008, the state will pay up to $300 per month in state adoption subsidies, an increase from the previous maximum of $250 per month. The $300 amount is not automatic, but is to be determined through discussions between the adopting parents and the responsible county agency.
