As the family dynamic continues to evolve, so does the growth of kinship and relative care. A study stated that in 1997, approximately 2 million children were living with neither of their parents; 1.7 million of these were living with relatives. The vast majority of children who lived with relatives were in private kinship care (1.3 million); 194,000 were in kinship foster care and 284,000 children were in voluntary kinship care. This shows how prevalent kinship care is and beneficial and attainable it can be for families.
In Kansas, a third party relative may legally adopt a child, and is called Kinship Adoption. The term “relative” is defined as someone who is related to the child within the fifth degree by blood, marriage or adoption. A child may need to be adopted by a relative if no closer relatives are living or they are not suitable to properly care for the child. The process is much like a normal adoption in that the consent of both of the parents and the termination of the parental rights must be established. Like other adoptions Kinship adoptions are considered permanent and legal and are intended to last forever. If you are a parent of a child considering a relative adoption, or you are the relative of a child you are seeking to adopt, you may wish to contact an agency or experienced adoption attorney to answer all questions in order to proceed properly.
The Relative or Kinship Adoption Process in Kansas
Much like other types of adoption, a kinship adoption is established through the court system. The rights of the natural parents must be terminated and their consent must be obtained in order for the process to begin. However, if both parents do not consent to the adoption this does not mean the adoption cannot occur. In many instances the parents may not consent to the adoption, but the judge decides that it is in the best interest of the child and grants the adoption despite the parents objection.
Possible Pros and Cons of Relative Adoption
There is much debate to be made on the possible positives and negatives surrounding the adoption of a child by their relative. Many people feel the child would benefit from living with a familiar family member to encourage comfort on the part of the child. They may also argue that remaining in and around their family would help the child stay connected to their roots and their lineage. However, some schools of thought circle the idea that if the parents were found to be unfit perhaps the relatives may carry some of the same negative traits, characteristics or bad habits that the parent did. This could continue the presence of the unhealthy environment the child was previously experiencing and could discourage rather than encourage what is in the best interest of the child.
How an Experienced Kansas Adoption Attorney Can Help You Today
If you are the relative of a child and you wish to adopt that child, you may need an attorney’s assistant. Our experienced law firm can help answer any and all questions you have and ensure you are approaching the process the proper way. The child deserves what is in its best interest, and that is always what remains at the forefront of our office’s focus. Contact an experienced Kansas Adoption Lawyer with your adoption questions and be sure your rights as a relative are represented. Adoption can be a stressful and emotional time if you have a close relationship with the child, and our team of adoption lawyers is here to help ease your worries and assist you in any way we can. Call McDowell Chartered Legal Services today at (316) 633-4322 to see how we will assist you with your adoption matter.