Adoption from foster care provides a safe, loving and permanent home for children who cannot safely return to their birth families due to abuse neglect, or other family challenges. These children have faced challenging circumstances but are resilient and ready to thrive in stable, supportive environments. When you adopt from foster care, you’re giving a child a second chance at a fulfilling life filled with love and opportunities.

Hundreds of children in Kansas are currently waiting for a loving adoptive family. We would be honored to help you become an adoptive family. Our focus is on matching the best possible family for each unique child.

KVC Kansas Adoption Services

At KVC Kansas, we specialize in matching children in foster care with compassionate, dedicated adoptive families. Since 2005, we’ve matched more than 5,500 children with loving adoptive families. Our adoption services include:

• Pre-adoption training: MAPP Foundation classes prepare families for the unique aspects of adopting from foster care.
• Matching services: We carefully match children with families based on their needs and the family’s strengths.
• Post-adoption support: Our support doesn’t end with adoption finalization. We provide ongoing services to ensure stability and success.

KVC Kansas provides adoption services in the 11 counties where we provide foster care case management services. Those counties include: Brown, Doniphan, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marshall, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, Shawnee and Wabaunsee.

Who Can Adopt?

People from all types of backgrounds and walks of life can adopt children from foster care. You can adopt at any stage of life, regardless of your relationship status, gender identity, income level or where you live. Whether you own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may be eligible to adopt. What matters most is how much you care.

Kansas requirements for adopting a child who is in state custody and served by KVC include:

• Be able to provide a stable, loving home for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect, and be committed to making a difference
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Be financially stable
• Complete 30 hours of free training (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) Foundations)
• Pass background checks

Characteristics of a good adoptive parent include:

• Demonstrate stability, maturity, responsibility and flexibility
• Ability to advocate for children and commitment to make a difference
• Team player with your family and child welfare professionals

Who Are the Children Looking for an Adoptive Family?

Youth available for adoption through KVC are often:

• 12 years old and older (learn more about the joys of adopting older children)
• Sibling groups who need to be adopted together
• Have unique needs

These youth are often overlooked as some prospective adoptive parents initially seek to adopt toddlers or babies. However, teens and sibling sets have a deep need for stable, loving families who can provide the guidance, support, and love they deserve. Adopting an older child or a sibling group is a rewarding experience that profoundly changes both the children’s and the parents’ lives. To meet children looking for a loving, adoptive family, visit AdoptKSKids.org.

What Does the Adoption Process Look Like?

During the adoption journey, KVC prepares families with information and support, including the aftercare services for six months following adoption finalization. KVC also provides full disclosure of all available information about the child’s background, experiences and needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Families complete an adoptive home study to determine their readiness for adoption. This application includes:

• Criminal background check
• Verification of employment
• Health assessment of all family members
• Reference checks from your friends and family

Discussions will include:

• Parenting style
• Life experiences
• Sense of family
• Expectations for a child
• Reasons for wanting to adopt
• Thoughts about the type of child you feel best equipped to parent

Understanding the Reality of Adoption from Foster Care

Adopting from foster care means embracing children who have experienced trauma. These children may have complex behavioral and mental health needs. However, with proper support and a loving environment, they can overcome these challenges and thrive. As an adoptive parent, you’ll play a crucial role in providing:

• Emotional support: Helping them heal and trust again, with the help of a mental health treatment provider.
• Educational advocacy: Ensuring they receive appropriate education plans and services.
• Behavioral guidance: Addressing and supporting their behavioral needs.

Relationships between adoptive youth and parents grow through steady love, support and understanding. As you consider adopting children from foster care, you can’t imagine the reward. You’ll experience the joy of helping children grow, succeed and become a cherished member of your family.

Our Adoption Impact

Start Your Adoption Journey Today

Becoming an adoptive parent is a life-changing journey filled with life-changing rewards. At KVC Kansas, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how you can make a difference in a child’s life and create your forever family.