Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS)

Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) is sponsored by Ohio Department of Children and Youth. Provides financial assistance to adoptive families in Ohio for specialized services and resources for children with special needs.

PASSS | OhioKAN Kinship & Adoption Navigator The Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) program is a program for post-adoptive families of children with special needs. PASSS provides up to $10K in funding per adopted child with special needs per year, to help cover the costs associated with specialized services, resources, and more.

Important Note for PASSS Applicants According to the PASSS rule OAC 5180:2-44-13 Administration of the PASSS program , PASSS funding will be approved for eligible applicants as long as state funds are available. Please see full rule for additional guidelines. For any questions about approved applications, please contact: PASSS@childrenandyouth.

ohio. gov Please note: PASSS funds are made available upon your application being approved by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY). The PASSS funding pool is not unlimited, and may be exhausted each year based on the volume of applications received.

Applications are submitted directly to OhioKAN and then reviewed by DCY for approval and funding. OhioKAN Navigators are available for any questions at 1-844-OHIOKAN (1-844-644-6526) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm. The purpose of the Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) is to assist Ohio families after the finalization of their adoption .

The subsidy is available to all adoptive families regardless of the type of adoption (international, attorney, public or private agency), with the exception of step-parent adoptions. The child does not have to meet either the federal or state definition of special needs to receive this subsidy.

Each child may be eligible for up to $10,000 ($15,000 if residential treatment is recommended by a qualified professional) per state of Ohio fiscal year - which begins on July 1st and runs through June 30th. PASSS funds are made available upon your application being approved by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY).

The PASSS funding pool is not unlimited, and may be exhausted each year based on the volume of applications received.

PASSS funds may be used for reasonable costs of services to address the child's physical condition, developmental disability, mental health, or emotional condition that either existed prior to the adoption or developed after the adoption and can be attributed to factors in the child's preadoption background, medical history, or biological family's background or medical history.

PASSS Application Process Start your application via PASSS Online Portal or by requesting a paper packet by mail You will be assigned and contacted by an OhioKAN Navigator Review application with an OhioKAN Navigator, who will help you gather and package all required documents OhioKAN submits your application to DCY for state approval and funding determination Receive notification from DCY about application approval and/or next steps Request Full Packet via Mail Download Application Documents Check on Application Status Looking to check the status of your application?

Reach out to your assigned OhioKAN Navigator who contacted you and helped you submit your application. If you are unsure who your OhioKAN Navigator is, feel free to call anytime M-F 8:30a - 6:30p ET to speak with a Navigator. PASSS funding is available annually based on the fiscal calendar, and needs to be applied for each year.

July 1st is when the new year starts , in line with the state of Ohio fiscal calendar. The PASSS Online Application portal opens each year on May 15th for the upcoming year. Your PASSS funds for the current year will expire on June 30th.

If you require continued services beyond July 1st, please submit a new application for the upcoming state fiscal year. The following eligibility requirements must be met in order to qualify for the PASSS program: Child/young person resides in Ohio with the adoptive family. Child/young person has been adopted by someone other than a step-parent.

Child/young person has a physical or developmental disability or mental or emotional condition that either existed before the adoption petition was filed or developed after the adoption petition was filed and can be directly attributed to factors in the child/young person’s pre-adoption background or medical history, or biological family’s background or medical history.

The child/young person is under the age of eighteen OR the child/young person is at least eighteen years of age and less than twenty-one years of age and has been diagnosed with a mental or physical disability. Other sources of assistance are inadequate or are unavailable to meet the child/young person’s immediate needs.

If you are familiar with the PASSS application and are ready to start your application, you can complete the application in three ways: The simplest way to apply for PASSS is by using the Online PASSS Portal , operated by the State of Ohio. Please note, you will need an OH|ID, which you can set up as part of this process if you do not have one already.

Online Portal Application You can request a paper application by mail , complete it at home, and return it via the provided pre-paid return envelope. Please send your application and related documents to: OhioKAN PASSS Processing Department Please note: if you request a paper application packet be mailed to you, you will receive a pre-paid, pre-addressed return envelope which can be used to return your entire application to OhioKAN.

Request Paper Application Download Application Documents (to fill out and submit via secure email, or to print and mail in). If you would like to talk with an OhioKAN Navigator to learn more and receive 1:1 personalized help completing your PASSS application, simply contact us using a method below. Upon talking with an OhioKAN Navigator, you can schedule an in-person appointment if desired as well.

Call : 1-844-OHIOKAN (1-844-644-6526) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm Email : Submit PASSS related questions via email: apply. passs@kinnectohio. org Alternative Ways to Connect : Click here for additional ways to connect, including text message As a provider of PASSS services, we understand the importance of having access to the most accurate and current information regarding the PASSS program.

For a comprehensive understanding of the program, we encourage you to explore the following links: Administration of the post adoption special services subsidy (PASSS) program (Rule 5180:2-44-13) Eligibility and application process for the post adoption special services subsidy (PASSS) program (Rule 5180:2-44-13.

1) If you have any questions or require further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at PASSS@childrenandyouth. ohio. gov .

Thank you for your commitment as a PASSS service provider. A: The purpose of the Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) is to assist Ohio families after the finalization of their adoption. The subsidy is available to all adoptive families regardless of the type of adoption (international, attorney, public or private agency), with the exception of step-parent adoptions.

The child DOES NOT have to meet either the federal or state definition of special needs to receive this subsidy. Each child may be eligible for up to $10,000 per year ($15,000 if residential treatment is recommended by a qualified professional). Q: Is our family eligible for PASSS funding?

All of the following must be met to be eligible for PASSS: The family lives in Ohio and the child resides with the parent(s). The child has been adopted by someone other than a step parent. The child has a physical or developmental disability or mental or emotional condition that either: Existed before the adoption petition was filed.

Developed after the adoption petition was filed and is likely due to the child's preadoption background or medical history, or biological family's background or medical history. The child meets either of the following requirements: The child is under the age of eighteen.

The child is at least eighteen years of age and less than twenty-one years of age and has been diagnosed with a mental or physical disability Other sources of assistance are inadequate or are unavailable to meet the child's immediate needs. Q: What types of services can be covered by PASSS? A: ​​PASSS is intended to pay for services not covered under other adoption subsidy programs, insurance programs or Medicaid.

PASSS funds can be used to cover the following: Medical and surgical services Psychiatric, psychological, and counseling/therapeutic services In-patient hospitalization Q: What are some things NOT covered by PASSS? A: ​​The following services are not subject to approval for PASSS for funding: Educational services such as tuition and tutoring. Cosmetic dental and/or orthodontia services.

Medical and/or mental health co-payments, prescriptions and/or prescription co-payments. Any recreational services including but not limited to karate, gymnastics, dance classes and fitness club memberships. Travel related expenses such as mileage reimbursement, airfare, lodging etc., and automobile purchases and repairs.

PASSS funding may be used for specific types of vehicle modifications, e.g. lift added to van, car or transportation services that are related to the child's special needs. Computer equipment and software that has not been recommended by a qualified professional that will help or improve the mental and physical condition of the child. Food, meal supplements and nutrition drinks.

Services provided by a PCSA or private child placing agency (PCPA) to make arrangements for adoptive placements. Services that are equivalent to or are of greater benefit to other members of the family, not including family counseling and respite. Services to a child for whom a parent-child relationship does not exist.

Services that facilitate contact with a parent whose rights have been terminated. Services for a child in the custody of a PCSA, PCPA, court or any other agency. Legal fees to finalize the adoption or for any other legal action.

Q: Are there income limits to receive PASSS funding? A: There is no fixed income limit for PASSS. The main concern is whether the service your child requires is beyond the family's ability to provide.

Therefore, even if you have a good income, if the cost of service is beyond your economic resources, you may be able to receive assistance. Q: Can we get adoption assistance AND PASSS funding? A: Yes!

PASSS funding is not restricted by any other adoption funding or assistance. Q: I received my approval letter, what dates will the PASSS funding cover? A: Funding is effective the first date that your application is approved by the Department of Children & Youth (DCY).

When you receive your approval letter, it should have an approval date on it. You are able to provide any invoices for approved services from the first date of that month through the end of the PASSS fiscal year. For example, if your approval letter is dated September 19, PASSS funds can be used on any approved services occurring from September 1 through the end of the fiscal year (June 30 th ).

This aligns with the Ohio Administrative Code 5180:2-44-13. 1(B) which states that PASSS funding is effective the first day of the month in which an application is approved by DCY. Q: Once a PASSS application is approved, where should invoices be sent for payment?

A: After a PASSS application is approved, all invoices for reimbursement should be emailed to PASSS@childrenandyouth. ohio. gov — payments will then be made from DCY.

Q: How will my services provider know I am approved for PASSS funding? A. Simply send your services provider your PASSS approval letter to let them know you are approved for PASSS funding.

Q: I am receiving PASSS-qualifying services in June, and will keep receiving care in July and August. Will I need two applications? A: Yes!

The new fiscal year begins July 1st. You will need a new PASSS application for services beginning on or after July 1st. Q: I am currently receiving PASSS services, and expect to continue receiving them after July 1st.

Can I submit my application (or parts of my application) early to OhioKAN? A: Yes! You may begin to submit application packet documents for the new fiscal year to OhioKAN starting on May 1st for services that begin after July 1st.

This will make completing your application easier when completed applications begin to be processed at the start of the new fiscal year (July 1st). Q: What documents are needed for a complete application?

A: The following documents and their required attachments will all need to be completed to consider a PASSS application complete for submission to DCY for review: DCY 01050 – Application for Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy DCY 01681 – Applicant Financial Statement DCY 01420 - Authorization to Release Confidential SACWIS Information SACWIS ID is not required A clear written statement of the child/young person’s special needs.

An assessment and/or evaluation from a qualified professional. An estimate of the cost of service(s) that will be provided. Updated financial information, including most recent IRS 1040.

A listing of community resources that have been contacted including the date and results of those contacts Public or private insurance policy regarding the services required, if applicable, and eligibility for services under this program.

Additional Documents, As Applicable DCY 01051 – Application for Additional Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) Funding for Extraordinary Circumstances (if applicable) DCY 01052 – Credentials of Professional Providers of PASSS Funded Therapeutic Services and Memorandum of Understanding (if applicable, required for therapeutic services) Q: Do you have an application check-list to help make sure I submit the full application along with all required documents?

A: Yes! Our full application checklist is included with each paper application we mail out, which you can request below . Q: Can I reuse any documentation from my previous application for my new application?

A: Generally, each application does need new documentation. It is possible to reuse certain forms, typically if they are within 90 days or if nothing has changed. If you are unsure if a form can be reused, you can always contact your OhioKAN Navigator.

Q: How do I create an OH|ID and password for the PASSS portal? The steps are also listed below for your convenience. Enter your email in the 2 spaces available and then select “Send PIN” (this will turn blue once the same valid email has been entered in both spaces.)

The PIN should arrive in your email shortly. Once the PIN arrives, copy and paste it into the “Enter PIN” box on the website and then select “Verify. ” Once it has been verified, select “Next” Enter your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number (optional).

Create a password with 8-30 characters – must include 1 uppercase letter, 1 lower case letter, 1 number, and a special character. (This step is optional) Set account recovery by entering a cell phone number to get PIN. Once the PIN arrives by text, enter it into the "Enter PIN" section on the website, and then click "Verify."

Once Verified, select "Next." Review the Terms and Conditions, then select “I Agree. ” Answer the question to confirm you are not a robot and select "Verify."

Q: Does OhioKAN review and approve PASSS applications? A: No, OhioKAN is simply helping families complete and submit their PASSS applications. The Department of Children & Youth will review and approve applications according to eligibility.

Q: How can I check on the status of my application? A: Reach out to your assigned OhioKAN Navigator who contacted you and helped you submit your application. If you are unsure who your OhioKAN Navigator is, feel free to call anytime M-F 8:30a - 6:30p ET to speak with a Navigator who can help you check the status of your application.

Q: Why am I being required to fill out a W-9? A. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form 1099-NEC is a new form beginning in tax year 2020 for nonemployee compensation of $600 or more to a payee.

This form should be filed with the IRS, on paper or electronically, and sent to recipients by February 1. The Department of Children & Youth is required to comply with filing the 1099-NEC according to IRS instruction. To ensure correct information is being filed with the IRS, a W-9 must be completed.

It is recommended you consult a tax attorney, or tax specialist, to further assist with tax filing questions and processes. Q: My approval letter states I am responsible for a 5% copay. How is that process handled?

A: If a family has been identified to be responsible for the copay, it is automatically deducted from their approved funding. If a family also owes a copay to the provider, the family is responsible to work with the provider to pay their portion of the copay. Please use the links below to download the PDF version of the PASSS Application.

These forms are fillable and can be completed on a computer, or printed and completed by hand. Once complete, applications should be mailed to OhioKAN's PASSS Processing Department . You can also scroll down below to request a mailed paper application, including a pre-paid, pre-addressed return envelope.

Portal Application Checklist Checklist PASSS APPLICATION CHECKLIST (ONLINE PORTAL) Download Form Paper/Email Application Checklist Checklist PASSS APPLICATION CHECKLIST (PAPER/EMAIL APPLICATION) Download Form Below you will find both required and instructional forms to complete your PASSS application. Below you will find forms required after respite approval.

Request Application by Mail Please use the form below to request a PASSS application be mailed to you. This will include a pre-paid, return address envelope for mailing your completed application back to OhioKAN. PASSS Full Application Preview Whoever you are, whatever you need to discuss, our dedicated team of Navigators and staff are on-call, ready to talk with you!

You can always email us with any questions, comments, or ideas you have. Please use the email contact form below. We are always seeking partnerships with community organizations throughout the state.

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