November 2002Vol. 3, No. 9HHS Awards Adoption Bonuses
In September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $17.5 million in bonuses to 23 States and Puerto Rico for increasing adoptions of children from the foster care system.
The bonuses are awarded as required by the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997. States that exceed the number of children adopted compared to the previous year receive a bonus consisting of $4,000 for each child adopted and $6,000 for each child with special needs adopted.
"Behind the statistics there are real children whose lives are better for having been adopted," said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. "We encourage States to do everything they can to find permanent, loving homes for all children who are waiting."
For a complete list of States and their bonuses, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2002/release_924pt2.html.