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 head over to Adopt KS Kids to fill out their contact form.

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. View Kansas agencies here.

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. TIPS-MAPP stands for Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting. This free course is 10 weeks long and typically meets for 3 hours once a week. During this class, you will learn about children in care, how to parent children with trauma, and make lifelong connections with other foster parents and members of the fostering community. 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. Create an account to locate a TIPS-MAPP class near you by clicking here.

This class is required in order for you to be considered a resource for children in state care.

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. Upon approval from DCF, your agency will assign a caseworker to your family…this person will be your main contact during your fostering/adopting journey.

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. Your caseworker may also know about kids that have not made it to the website yet and may refer a child or children to you directly.

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.

For Non-Kansas Residents, Please Click Here