General Qualifications For Adopting in Kansas

Adopted children need one or more caring and dedicated individuals willing to be responsible for their needs, while also incorporating them into a supportive and nurturing family atmosphere. In general, there are no hard and fast rules in terms of parental qualifications. Each candidate is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Criteria commonly reviewed are the following:

• There is no requirement regarding an adoptive parents’ marital status. They can be married or single, as well as a parent to other children or childless.
• A disability will not automatically disqualify an individual from adopting a child. However, agencies will want to confirm to the best of their knowledge and judgment that a candidate will be able to care for a child, by meeting his or her needs throughout their childhood.
• A history of personal or marital counseling, or even divorce will not automatically eliminate an individual as a candidate for adopting.
• A candidate will not be required to own a home or have a high income in order to adopt. As long an individual can provide the child with permanence, stability, commitment and support, they will be considered.

Nowadays, many adoption agencies and foreign countries are beginning to place children with single applicants. There is a tremendous amount of research that shows successful single adoptive parents to be mature and independent, and having a wide and supportive network of family and friends. Single adoptive parents tend to be the preferred placement for children who have experienced difficulty interacting with two parents due to a history of neglect or abuse.

Agency criteria for applicants in the category of infant adoptions are undoubtedly more restrictive. Oftentimes, agencies may only consider married couples that have been together at least 1 to 3 years, between the ages of 25 and 40, and with stable income. There are some agencies willing to accept applicants who are above the age of 40, but it does not commonly occur.  Some agencies require that the couple have no other children and be unable to bear them. Agencies may also require that one parent not work outside the home for at least 6 months after the adoption. Ultimately, agencies that place infants will make clear their specific eligibility requirements for adopting candidates.

Adoption is a life-long commitment, and may not be the best option for every individual or family. Whether adopting a child means expanding your current family or starting a new one, it’s a life-altering decision that requires a large amount of research about what is involved with the process. As you attempt to make this decision, there are many important factors to consider.

The initial question you should ask yourself is what brought you to this decision. Take the time to examine the financial and emotional resources that can be provided to a new family member. Will these resources best support an infant, preschooler or teen? Do you plan to be a single parent or are you married? Do you have a disability of any kind? What is your age as an adopting candidate? Are you heterosexual or homosexual? Bottom of Form

Evaluating your lifestyle, social and economic resources can provide insight into personal adoption preferences, such as the ethnic background of a child, or whether to adopt domestically or internationally. Knowing what kind of child you want to adopt is the first step in establishing placement. Adoption fees may be intimidating at first glance, but there are several different ways to finance the undertaking.  Government reimbursements and loans, tax claims, and employee benefits, are all available to potential candidates.

Essentially, there are many things to deliberate and examine before adopting a child. Understanding and establishing your legal rights throughout the entire process is important and necessary, and will enable you to make the most informed decisions every step of the way. Keep in mind there are many people that have been in your position and adopted successfully, as well as many others beginning the process just as yourself.