Across Kansas, one of the most devastating statistics is the fact that one out of every five children in the foster care system has suffered the effects of parents or guardians who abuse illegal substances. When substance abuse factors into foster care and adoption, it is often more difficult to smoothly resolve issues and find a solution that is appropriate and acceptable for everyone involved. Recently, researchers and advocates have been highlighting the importance of development for children three and under in the foster care system. Because of the large number of children affected by substance abuse, a significant effort is being made to improve the system and the lives of the families involved.
In order to combat the negative effects of substance abuse, the Kansas School of Social Welfare has recently been granted $2.9 million to go towards improving outcomes for families affected by substance abuse. The grant is to be dispersed among state agencies, and will be used to improve the lives of children and their families. The Strengthening Families Program, Kansas Serves Substance Affected Families, and the Children’s Bureau at DHHS are all working together to help ease the tension of substance abuse, and improve the likelihood that parents and children can remain on functional terms. Additionally, Kansas Serves Substance Affected Families is partnering with the Kansas Adoption Permanency Project to provide screening for children who may have experienced trauma, along with developmental and functional assessments.
Current Statistics
The current statistics on child welfare and substance abuse across Kansas are very disheartening. Some of the most striking statistics include:
- 29 percent of children ages three and under enter the foster system due to parental substance abuse
- Children under three are more than 60 times more likely to be removed from the home of a parent or parents who abuse illegal substances
- Seven percent of all cases leading to foster care in 2014 were due to the presence of methamphetamine – a number that has increased almost four percent since 2010
- In 2014, 11 percent of cases leading to foster care of children three and under were due to parental methamphetamine use
Currently there are hundreds of children in the Kansas foster care and adoption systems. With so many of these children affected by substance abuse, the need for funding organizations and initiatives like those mentioned before is clear. Without the help of funding like this recent grant, it is impossible for agencies across the state to help children and families heal and move forward with a brighter future.
Make Sure you Know about Substance Abuse before Adoption
In most adoption cases where substance abuse is a factor, the overall circumstances surrounding the case are complicated and emotionally charged. In some cases, there may be additional parental factors to consider, such as rehabilitation or criminal charges. In other cases, the child may be dealing with emotional or physical trauma, which can be difficult to recover from. It is important that any family considering adoption, especially when there are extenuating circumstances like substance abuse, seek the guidance of an experienced Kansas adoption attorney.
At McDowell Chartered, we are prepared to help our clients move through the adoption process with confidence. Our Wichita, Kansas office proudly serves clients throughout the state in various adoption matters. Make sure that you are well aware of the process of adoption, possible extenuating circumstances, and the requirements you need to meet before filing a petition to adopt. To schedule an initial consultation with the seasoned Kansas Adoption Attorney at McDowell Chartered, call our office at (316) 633-4322.