Each state maintains its own adoption policies, so the process can vary considerably for families in different states. As a Kansas resident, you’ll want to work with an adoption agency or adoption attorney who is very familiar with Kansas adoption laws and policies. Below, you’ll find adoption agencies and adoption lawyers offering services to Kansas families. Scroll past the listings to learn all about the legal guidelines for families adopting in Kansas whether you’re adopting a newborn through domestic adoption, an infant or older child from U.S. foster care adoption, or a child through international adoption.

KANSAS ADOPTION LAWS & STATUTES

Who Can Adopt in Kansas

A child may be adopted by an adult who is at least 10 years older than the child. An exception to this requirement may be made if the adoptive parent is a stepparent, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, or first cousin of the child and, if that person is married, is adopting jointly with his or her spouse.

Can LGBT families adopt? Same-sex couples face legal restrictions when petitioning for second-parent adoption.

Domestic Adoption Laws in Kansas

Can adoptive parents advertise for birth parents? Yes.

Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption? Yes, they can finalize where the birth parents reside or if an agency placement, where the agency is located.

Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary? Yes, as long as adopting parents use a child-placing agency.

What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period? Reasonable living during or as the result of the pregnancy, medical, legal. 4-6 weeks post placement.

Is there a putative father registry? Yes.

When can consent to adoption be granted? 12 hours after the birth.

 When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic? After consent is signed, unless signee can prove by clear and convincing evidence it was not her/his free and voluntary consent. Return is automatic.

Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable? Not addressed in state statutes.

International Adoption Laws in Kansas

Is a foreign adoption decree automatically recognized by the state? Yes, when the district court receives evidence of the finalization of an adoption that occurred under the laws of the foreign country and evidence of legal admission into the United States.

Can parents readopt in this state? Is it mandatory? Yes, but whether or not it is mandatory is not addressed in state statutes.

When will a U.S. birth certificate be issued? The State Registrar will issue a U.S. birth certificate upon request and receipt of an adoption decree (or evidence of adoption finalization) and proof of the child’s DOB and place of birth along with the report of adoption form.

Adoption From Foster Care in Kansas

Are adoption subsidies available? When do they start and how long do they last? Yes, adoption subsidies are available for a special needs child, who is defined as having one of the following: 12 years or older, member of a sibling group of 3 or more, has a professionally diagnosed medical condition that impairs normal functioning, has a professionally diagnosed developmental disability, has a professionally diagnosed behavioral or emotional disability, or is at risk for developing physical, emotional, or development conditions. In addition, the state requires evidence that the child should not be returned to their birth parents and that efforts were made to place the child without assistance. The child must be in the custody of the Kansas Dept. of Social and Rehabilitation Services or a licensed child-placing agency. Adoption subsidies are not available for a child placed by the court, an adoption agency, parents, or any other individuals. Adoption subsidies start upon adoption placement.

Where can I learn more about the process of adopting a child from foster care in Kansas? http://www.dcf.ks.gov

Kansas Adoption Unit

Program Manager: Brenda Woods

Kansas Department for Children and Families
915 SW Harrison
Docking State Office Building, 5th Floor North
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: (785) 296-6619
Fax: (316) 368-8159

[email protected]

http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/Adoption-Assistance.aspx

DISCLAIMER: The state laws and policies outlined above are offered to readers only for general information and do not constitute legal advice. Furthermore, the state laws were accurate at the time of compilation, but Adoptive Families cannot guarantee that there have been no subsequent changes or revisions to the laws. Please do not rely on the information above without first consulting an adoption attorney licensed in your state. Updated in November 2014.