Adopting in Kansas

[jen023]

My husband and I TTC for 4 years... we are going to try IUI one time and if no luck, he agreed to start the adoption process in January. We want to adopt a newborn and we live in Kansas. Can anyone tell me what the first steps are? I know I need to find an agency, but I have no idea how to go about finding a good one. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? Also, I know that it can take a long time for an adoption to go through, etc. I'm up for the wait, after all, I've waited 4 years already, but can you tell me a general idea of how long it usually takes? Is it years, months? I just want to be prepared. Thanks for your help!

[Vana08]

You`re interested in adoption, but you`re not sure where to start. In Kansas, you have several options for adoption available. The first thing you must decide is the type of adoption you are interested in. Do you want an infant or an older child? Do you want to adopt domestically or internationally? These decisions will determine where you start.

Who May Adopt In Kansas
The law in Kansas states that you must be at least 18 years old to be an adoptive parent, and does not have an upper age limit. This may vary depending on the type of adoption you decide to pursue. You must be able to clear a criminal background check, and have the financial means to support a child. If you are married, you and your spouse must both agree with the adoption.



Kansas Infant Adoption
If you are interested in domestic infant adoption, or are a birth parent who would like to make an adoption plan, you can do so through a licensed adoption agency, or through an adoption attorney. Be sure that any attorney that you choose has experience in adoptions in Kansas.

If you are a birthparent who is planning to place your child for adoption, contact an adoption attorney or an adoption agency to make an adoption plan. It is their job to look out for the best interest of you and your child.

If you feel you are unable to care for your child, but are unable to make an adoption plan, Kansas has a Safe Haven law. This law allows to you take your infant (up to 45 days old) to a hospital, fire department or, health department and they will find a safe place for your child.

Kansas International Adoption
If you are interested in international adoption, you must first research and decide which country you want to adopt from. Each country has its own laws and regulations, so finding an adoption agency that knows the laws of that country is crucial to a successful adoption. You may contact the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to find adoption agencies in Kansas.

Kansas Older Child Or Special Needs Adoption
Older child, or special needs adoption, is available in Colorado. These adoptions are facilitated through Kansas social services. The children available for adoption are currently in foster care. Special needs adoption does not mean that the child has physical or mental disabilities. It could mean that the child is older, from a minority, or part of a sibling group that needs to stay together.

You are required to attend a 30-hour class called Partnering for Safety and Permanency - Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (PS-MAPP). The classes are intended to help you identify issues that children in foster care have faced and how to handle these issues.

Kansas Adoption Home Study
No matter what type of adoption you decide to pursue, a home study will be required. A home study is a bit like an investigation. You are required to submit to background checks, fingerprinting, financial means verification, as well as very personal discussions about your marriage or divorce (if applicable), your child hood, family relationships, and parenting styles, along with checking to make sure your home meets size and safety regulations.

Kansas Adoption Registry
Kansas has a very liberal adoption registry policy. It allows for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to contact adopted adults for any reason and adoptive parents of a minor for reasons of health or medical needs. It also allows SRS to contact birth parents at the request of an adopted adult.


P.s I don't live in Kansas but I found some info online,hope it helps you..
      http://kansas.adoption.com/articles

[jen023]

Thank you so much for all of the information and website! This helps tremendously! We are wanting to do an infant adoption and this really helps! I'll check into the website and do a little more reading. thanks again!

[Vana08]

You are welcome!
..I'm glad it helps you..!Good Luck with your adoption.I'm sure you have so much love to give to this baby..and one day you will receive this love in return!

God Bless