Vermont's Laws on Living Expenses

Vermont

1. • Medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, nursing, or other similar costs
2. • Counseling services for a reasonable time before and after the child's placement
3. • Living expenses for the birth mother for a reasonable time
4. • Legal fees, court costs, and other administrative expenses
5. • Transportation for services provided
6. • Any other service or expense the court finds reasonable and necessary

Payments for living expenses may continue for no more than 6 weeks after the child's birth.

 A person may not offer or receive payment for:

1. • The placement of a child
2. • A consent to adoption
3. • The recruitment of nonresident pregnant women for the purpose of relinquishing their children

1. • Payment may not be made contingent on relinquishing the child or giving consent to the adoption.
2. • No payment may be made directly to the parent without prior court approval.

An agency may accept fees for:

1. • Medical and living expenses for the birth parent
2. • Locating and providing counseling services
3. • Legal services or court costs
4. • Preparation of evaluations
5. • Transportation services
6. • Any other service or expense the court finds reasonable and necessary

At least 10 days before the hearing:

1. • The petitioners shall file accounting of any payment or disbursement made or agreed to be made.
2. • The attorney for the petitioners shall file an affidavit itemizing any fees accepted for adoption-related services.
3. • If an agency or guardian placed the child for adoption, the agency or guardian shall file an affidavit itemizing all fees and expenses paid.

Schedule of Hearings
Citation: §§ 40-11-12.1; 40-11-12.2
A permanency hearing shall be held:

• Within 12 months of the child's placement in care; at least every 12 months thereafter
• Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify are not required

• All parties
• The foster parents
• Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child

• The appropriateness of the service plan
• What services have been offered
• Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child

• Return to the parent
• Adoption
• Legal guardianship
• Placement with a fit and willing relative
• Another planned permanent living arrangement

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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