Glossary of Terms

A financial subsidy, either in the form of money or services, that can assist a family with expenses for needed services for a child with special needs. Subsidies can include medical insurance, counseling services, respite care, etc.

The three sided relationship among the birth parent, permanency parent, and child.

A family who has finalized the adoption of a child placed in their home.

An individual or couple who have received court approval and adopted a child.

A sworn, notarized statement signed by all parties entering an agreement. This statement provides evidence to the court that parties are entering into an agreement knowingly and voluntarily and that the agreement is not the product of coercion, fraud or duress.

Licensed adoption agencies that contract with the SWAN prime contractor to provide permanency services.

A public or private entity, including a county agency that is licensed, supervised or regulated by the Division of Human Services and provides adoption services.

All information collected by an agency about a birth family, an adoptive family and an adoptee.

A form provided by DHS on which an adoptee, an adoptive parent or a birth relative can authorize or prohibit the release of identifying information.

An individual who is appointed to conduct a search and who has completed a standardized training program as required by DHS.