When it comes to expanding families through adoption, many people are familiar with the term “foster-to-adopt.” It conjures images of providing a loving, temporary home for a child while also paving the way for adoption. However, in Kansas, this label can be confusing, as it doesn’t fully capture the distinctions of the two paths available for adopting.

In Kansas, the foster care system offers two primary pathways. The first is traditional foster care, in which children are temporarily housed in foster homes while their biological families strive to reunite. If reunification efforts are unsuccessful and other biological family members are not identified as adoptive resources, the foster home may then be considered as a potential adoptive option. It’s crucial to understand that not every foster placement culminates in adoption; many children are successfully returned to their birth families. Additionally, there is the option of becoming an unlicensed adopt-only family, which we will discuss later in the article.

Foster-to-Adopt
The term “foster-to-adopt” can easily create the misunderstanding that every foster care situation is geared toward adoption. This misunderstanding can prevent potential foster parents from fully understanding their important role. The primary responsibility of foster parents is to offer a temporary safe space for the child, while also supporting the entire family and facilitating the reintegration process. For many children in the system, foster homes provide crucial care and nurturing during challenging times, helping them heal and develop as their biological families work through their issues. While some of these children may eventually find a path to adoption, for others, reunification with their families remains the main objective. Clear communication about these expectations is essential for anyone considering becoming a foster parent. For families who have not yet parented children who have faced trauma, this can be an excellent opportunity to gain experience while having the flexibility of placement regulations and receiving support from your child placing agency without the commitment of adoption. It can also help you gain insight into your own capabilities and limits.

Adopt-Only
The next pathway to adoption from foster care is to become an adopt-only family. Some families prefer this route because they may feel apprehensive about the uncertainties associated with being a licensed foster home, including the possibility of a child leaving the home. As an adopt-only family, you would not be a licensed foster home, but you would still receive support from a child-placing agency through their agency sponsorship. The adopt-only pathway does not offer the same flexibility in having children placed in the home for purposes of just placement as it requires the commitment to adoption. It does have flexibility in that families are not required to meet the strict licensing expectations of their home.
In this capacity, you will have access to profiles of children who are legally free for adoption, meaning that all parental rights have been terminated. Adopt KS Kids (AKK) provides adoption recruitment services for many of these children, and the AKK staff facilitate this matching process, in collaboration with the child’s Case Management Provider. There is a particular demand for adopt-only families for children aged 10 years and older, as well as for sibling groups. These children often have moderate to elevated needs. Most sponsoring agencies only support adopt-only families that are open to being matched with children who fit this profile.

Families working with AKK receive information on a sharing continuum, which is designed to protect and respect the child’s privacy. It is recommended that as an adopt-only family, you be selected during a Best Interest Staffing, review the child’s file thoroughly, and agree to proceed before meeting the child. Following this, a transition plan will be established to ease the child’s integration into the adoptive home. An adjustment period is provided to help both the child, and the family settle in and start bonding as a unit. Once the family and the agency feel prepared, the next steps toward finalizing the adoption are taken.
When agencies seek adoptive families, they prioritize several essential qualities that indicate a family’s readiness and suitability for adoption. First and foremost, flexibility in parenting is crucial. Adoptive parents should be adaptable and open-minded, prepared to navigate the unique challenges and experiences that come with raising a child who has undergone significant life changes and trauma. This includes understanding and accommodating the child’s individual needs, backgrounds, and emotional experiences. Another critical quality is having realistic expectations regarding both the child and the adoption process. It’s important for prospective adoptive parents to acknowledge that adoption is a journey filled with complexities. Children in foster care often carry emotional trauma from their past and may lack healthy coping mechanisms to deal with it. Families should be aware that a child’s chronological age may not align with their emotional or functional age and expectations should be adjusted accordingly. The transition into a new family can be a gradual process, and an attachment and bond will take time to build. Understanding the potential challenges ahead, while also celebrating the joys of family life, is vital for a successful adoption experience. Agencies highly value a family’s willingness and capability to make a lifelong commitment to their adopted child, even if they have yet to form a bond or get to know them well. This commitment goes beyond mere legal adoption; it reflects a deep personal dedication to nurturing, supporting, and advocating for the child’s well-being throughout their life. Adoptive parents must be ready to invest in a relationship that may evolve over time, building trust and connection in the years to come. They need to be that “no matter what” family.

If you’re considering adoption in Kansas, it’s crucial to gather reliable information and resources. Connecting with local agencies or families with lived experience can offer valuable insights into the realities and responsibilities associated with different adoption pathways, empowering you to make a well-informed choice. At AKK and the Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center (KPARC), we are here to assist you and address any questions you may have, helping you develop a clearer and more realistic understanding of adoption from foster care.

If you’d like to explore either option further or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].