Instructions

To complete the title IV-E adoption assistance State self-assessment tool, we recommend that the State thoroughly review all applicable documents related to its title IV-E adoption assistance program, including adoption statutes, administrative rules, policies, procedures, practice manuals, adoption assistance agreement(s), worksheets used to determine eligibility, brochures, and training materials. The State also should cross-check the documents to assure that there are no inconsistencies among them. We encourage the State to use the self-assessment tool to consult with its appropriate CB Regional Office to address questions or concerns regarding State implementation of the title IV-E requirements.

Each section of the State self-assessment tool provides the requirements and restrictions relating to a specific Federal provision of the title IV-E adoption assistance program. Questions relating to the requirement follow which allow for a response of "YES," "NO," or "NEEDS CLARIFICATION." After each response, there is a statement which informs the State as to whether the State provisions are consistent with Federal guidelines. If the State needs to review and research the question further before determining whether the response is "YES" or "NO," the "NEEDS CLARIFICATION" selection provides that opportunity. Certain questions allow a response of "N/A" when they involve a provision that is optional. As noted above, States are encouraged to work with their appropriate Regional Office with any questions that are marked "NEEDS CLARIFICATION" to help the State determine whether the State provision(s) are consistent with Federal requirements.

Following the questions in each section of the self-assessment, space is provided for the State to record: 1) steps to address areas needing clarification; 2) any areas where the State's provisions are inconsistent with Federal requirements; 3) actions needed to assure the State's program meets Federal requirements; and 4) the citations in State law, administrative rules, policies, etc., used by the State for review of the requirement.

At the end of each self-assessment section, the Federal legal and related references applicable to that section are provided.

Please note that the self-assessment applies only to requirements for the Federal title IV-E adoption assistance program and does not apply to any State-funded adoption assistance program.

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