R986-500-502. General Provisions

(1) AA may be provided to a birth parent who was or would have been the caretaker of a child relinquished for adoption.

(2) The relinquishment must have been voluntary. Birth parents who have had their parental rights terminated are not eligible for AA.

(3) The adoption must have met the requirements of Section 78B-6-120.

(4) AA financial assistance can be provided to a woman who is in her third trimester of pregnancy if she is planning to relinquish custody of the child for the purpose of adoption and if she is otherwise eligible.

(5) A parent must apply for AA no later than the end of the second month after the month of relinquishment. Proof of relinquishment is required.

(6) Relinquishment can be made for any minor child, however a child age 12 or older must agree to the relinquishment.

(7) The Department will coordinate services to assist the client in:

(a) receiving appropriate educational and occupational assessment and planning, including enrolling in appropriate education or training programs, which includes high school completion and adult education programs;

(b) enrolling in programs that provide assistance with job readiness, employment counseling, finding employment, and work skills;

(c) finding suitable housing;

(d) receiving medical assistance, under Title 26, Chapter 18, Medical Assistance Act, if the client is otherwise eligible; and

(e) receiving counseling and other mental health services.

(8) If a birth parent relinquishes custody of a child, and before the adoption is finalized, takes back custody of the child, the parent is no longer eligible for AA.

(9) The rule regarding minor parents found at R986-200-213 applies if the parent seeking AA is a minor.

(10) If the minor parent seeking AA is living with her parent(s), or the parent(s) of the father of the child being relinquished, the FEP rule for counting the income of the household found in R986-200-242 applies.