Adoptions of Kentucky - Adoption Process


	Pregnancy Hotline (800) 542-5245 day (800) 820-4091 evening BIRTHMOTHERS ONLY

	Birthparents - How We Work - Our Services - Parent Profiles - Frequently Asked Questions - Adoption Law - Contact Us Adopting Couples How We Work - Our Services - Success Stories - Get Listed - Frequently Asked Questions - Adoption Law - Contact Us

	Send this page to a friend

Adoptions of Kentucky
401 West Main St. - Suite 1708
Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 585-3005 - office
(502) 585-5369 - fax

Adoption Process

Preliminary Meeting

After the initial inquiry by the adoptive parent(s), the agency sends a letter with information detailing the next steps in the process. An office conference is scheduled with the prospective adoptive parent(s) at which time they will meet with the agency attorney, the agency Director, the Placement Director, Executive Assistant, and possibly an adoption coordinator. They will discuss the following:

The law and the legal process for the birth parent, who birth parents are, why they are placing the baby for adoption, the risks, and the costs
The agency process including particular requirements, the paperwork required to be completed before the home study, the home study itself, the orientation and training, the support groups and the agency’s requirement of attendance
The post-placement visits and requirements
How the agency can be of assistance in any continued contacts with the birthparents
How to help the birth mother and the adoption coordinator who is assisting the birth mother (discussed if a coordinator is present at the meeting)

The adoptive parent(s) must complete the packet of paperwork, including background criminal records checks, child abuse registry checks, copies of marriage license, any divorce decrees, medicals on all in the household, financial information, copies of any previous adoption decrees, and other personal information requested by the agency.

Orientation and Training

The adoptive parent(s) are invited to attend an orientation and training seminar which provides information on regulatory requirements including, but not limited to the following:

Actual experience of an adoptive parent
How to be successful in your adoption
Attachment and identity issues of the child
Review of the legal process
What to expect after the baby is placed in the home

Home Study

The agency arranges for a home study at which time the agency director or one of the adoption coordinators travels to the adoptive family’s home, reviews the paperwork submitted, and talks with the clients about adoption and their involvement. After the home study, the adoptive parent(s) may provide a personal profile for the birth parent to review in choosing parent(s) for the child.

Finding a Match

Once “chosen” by the birth parent, the adoptive parent(s) receive certain information about the background of the birth parent, information about the risks involved in the case, and the known expenses. Adoptive parent(s) are asked to respond within 24 hours indicating whether they accept or decline the situation that the birth mother is extending to them.
The adoption coordinator arranges a meeting between the birth parent and the prospective adoptive parent(s) at a mutually convenient time and place where each party is free to voice any questions and concerns. If all parties are mutually agreeable and satisfied with the situation, the adoptive parent(s) arrange a time to meet with the attorney. The prospective adoptive parent(s) will sign a letter concerning money to be placed into escrow for the benefit of the birth mother and sign an additional case-specific risk letter as well as a financial commitment letter.

The Birth

At this point, the adoptive parent(s) and the birth parent may meet and talk as they choose. The adoption coordinator remains loosely involved to assist with any difficult emotional issues, make arrangements with the hospital social services, etc. The adoption coordinator usually visits the birth parent during the hospital stay, makes sure the adoptive parent(s) are doing well, and takes signatures on the legal documents at the time the birth parent and/or baby leave the hospital. The adoption coordinator returns the legal documents to the attorney for further work, filing with the court, scheduling with the court, etc.

The Adoption

Once the legal documents are filed with the court, a hearing is set and the birth parent is required to attend in person. The adoptive parent(s) are present only at the invitation of the birth parent. The termination of parental rights is a termination of all rights, without the right of appeal. It is final, definite and cannot be revoked. Shortly thereafter, the adoptive parent’s attorney files for the adoption in their county of residence. Adoptions of Kentucky will consent to the adoption if the adoptive parents have completed all the agency requirements. Once this final step is taken, the adoption is final.

web design by Desklamp Design, LLC