How it Works

Get acquainted with the adoption process.

Thank you for your interest in adoption through the Kansas foster care system! The adoption process differs for Kansas and non-Kansas residents. Learn more about each below.

Kansas Residents

  1. Contact Adopt Kansas Kids: An Adopt KS Kids representative will send you information that explains the steps in the adoption process.  You also will receive a list of agencies in your area.   This information will help you decide how you want to proceed.  Your first step is to call 1-855-236-7857 or email [email protected].
  2. Choose an Agency:  Take the time to learn more about the adoption agencies in your area.  Call the agencies.  Ask questions.  Select the one you’re most comfortable with and can best meet your family’s needs. If you are NOT interested in providing foster care, make sure your agency sponsors adopt-only families.
  3. Complete the Application Process:  This will include a simple form providing basic information about your family.  It will also include  standard background checks. Your agency will help you enroll in a TIPS-MAPP class. This class may or may not be sponsored by your agency. It is permissible to complete a TIPS-MAPP class prior to choosing a sponsoring agency. Visit www.childally.org to locate a TIPS-MAPP class near you.  This class is required before you will be considered a resource for children on this website.
  4. Family/Home Assessment Process:  A home assessment is completed by a qualified Kansas practitioner.  This requires a minimum of two visits to your home. You will be asked about your family history and your expectations for children you hope to parent.  Through this assessment, the agency will determine if it will continue to support you. If you’ve chosen to pursue foster care, your agency will apply to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for your foster home license.
  5. Matching Process: Continue to review the Adopt KS Kids website to see if there is a child or sibling group that you want to know more about.  Select the I’m Interested button. An Adopt KS Kids representative will provide your home assessment to the case manager for the child or children.
  6. Selection Process:  If it is determined your family is a possible match for a child, your family will be included in a Best Interest Staffing. At this meeting, the professionals involved with the child select an adoptive family that best meets that child’s needs.  If you are selected, you will have the opportunity to complete the next steps.
  7. Pre-Placement Process:  If you are selected as an adoptive parent, you will be able to review the child’s file.  You will be able to speak with the child’s current foster parent. You will meet the child.  You will have the opportunity to get to know the child through visits.
  8. Placement: The child will join your family.  The child’s case manager will continue to provide services until the adoption is legalized.  Your agency also may continue to provide support.

Non-Kansas Residents

  1. If you are interested in adopting a child from Kansas, you must first complete the adoption approval process in your home state. Check the AdoptUSKids website to get connected with an agency in your state.
  2. Following approval in your state, if you are interested in a particular child on the Adopt Kansas Kids website contact us. We will be able to let you know if that child is available for out-of-state adoption. (Note: It may already be indicated on a child’s profile whether the child can be adopted out of state.) It should also be noted that most Kansas children available for out-of-state adoption are placed on the AdoptUSKids website.
  3. If there is not a specific child you feel your family is a match for, you can have your social worker register you on the Adopt Kansas Kids website. Neither you nor your social worker will be able to perform enhanced matching on the site. However, you will be part of the pool Kansas workers will match their children against. If you match with a child, the child’s case manager will contact your social worker.
  4. If the child you are interested in can be placed out-of-state, Adopt Kansas Kids will forward your information to the child’s case manager. The case manager will get in touch with you or your family worker for additional information, including a copy of your home study.
  5. If the child’s case manager thinks you are a good match for the child, you’ll be included in a Best Interest staffing. If you are selected as an adoptive placement for the child you will be able to review all available information about the child. You also will have the opportunity to talk with individuals close to the child.
  6. If you decide to move forward the ICPC (Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children) process will begin. Among the details to be included in this agreement is when the child can move to your home.
  7. The child joins your family. The child’s case manager will continue to monitor your case with an agency in your state providing direct services until the adoption is legalized. Services also will be provided for 12 months after legalization.