(a) To apply for a subsidy on behalf of an eligible child, an individual who is a prospective adoptive parent of the eligible child shall file an application for a subsidy with the local department.

(b) (1) The director of the local department shall append to the application evidence of inability, after all reasonable efforts, to place the eligible child, without a subsidy, with an appropriate adoptive parent because of the special circumstances.

(2) If the director of the local department determines that the eligible child has established emotional ties with a prospective adoptive parent who is the child’s foster parent, evidence of efforts to place the child with another prospective adoptive parent is not required.