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phone: (502) 585-3005 |
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phone: (502) 585-3005 |
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Adoptions of Kentucky
401 West Main St. - Suite 1708 Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 585-3005 - office (502) 585-5369 - fax |
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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is private adoption?Adoption is the legal placement of a child with people who will raise the child as their own. A private attorney or private adoption agency, rather than a welfare department makes all the legal arrangements.Is private adoption legal?Yes. Private adoption is perfectly legal.Does a birth parent need legal counsel?Yes. A birth parent must have separate legal counsel, independent of legal counsel for the adoptive parent(s). This is an expense to the adoptive parent(s), not to the birth parent.Are adoptions confidential?Yes, court records are completely confidential. The disclosure of identifying data is generally a matter of preference for the parties’ consideration.May I select the adoptive parent(s) for my baby?Yes. Adoptions of Kentucky allows the birth parent to choose the adoptive parent(s) - who have been carefully screened - if the birth parent wishes to do so.What is open adoption? May I meet the adoptive parent(s)?Open adoption signifies some form of contact between the birth parent and the adoptive parent(s). The form of contact and the amount are up to the birth parent. If the birth parent wishes to meet the adoptive parent(s), the counselor will assist the birth parent with this. A meeting will help give the birth parent assurance about placing the baby with a loving family.May I see the baby after it is born?Yes. While the birth parent is in the hospital, the extent of involvement with the child is the birth parent’s decision. The birth parent may want to see, hold, feed the baby, take pictures, and receive information about the baby, or may choose not to see or be involved with the baby.Do I need to identify the birth father?It is always best to identify the birth father in order to protect the baby and the placement. A more specific answer will depend on the particular circumstances of the individual case and is a matter of careful consideration to be discussed with the agency-provided attorney.Do I have to go to court?Kentucky Law allows for a Termination of Parental Rights hearing in the Circuit/Family Court. It is a closed hearing with only the birth parent, the birth parent’s attorney, the attorney for the baby, and the attorney for the adoptive parent(s) present. The hearing is short and the birth parent will be fully prepared for it by an attorney.Does the adoption cost me any money?This is a matter to be discussed with the agency-provided attorney. Generally, the prospective adoptive parent(s) pay the costs involved.What expenses will the adoptive parent(s) pay?Generally, the adoptive parent(s) pay medical and legal expenses, plus any necessary living expenses or special expenses related to the pregnancy.Is counseling provided?Yes. Counseling is always encouraged. It is paid for by the adoptive parent(s) as part of the agency costs and is part of an affidavit to the court regarding all such costs.How do I know my baby is going to a good home?In Kentucky, all adoptive families are screened and must provide a great deal of information to the agency doing their home study, whether it is a private agency or the state. A family from another state must satisfy both the Kentucky requirements and the requirements of their state as well. The investigation includes a criminal check, a child abuse check and an investigation to determine that they are financially secure, emotionally stable and able to become loving and caring parents.When the baby grows up, can the adoptee contact me?Yes. Current Kentucky Law allows the adopted child to search for his or her birth parents at the age of majority (21 years of age for adoption). If the birth parent(s) sign a consent agreeing to the release of identifying data, such will be released, upon request, to an adoptee at age 21, if they contact the state.Does the baby go directly to my chosen adoptive parents from the hospital?Generally the baby goes directly to the home of the adoptive parent(s). However, if the baby is going to be placed in another state, it must be placed in a neutral or foster/bonding home where the out-of-state adoptive parent(s) may be present and bond with the child. When the case is approved, they may take the baby and return home.Why do women place babies for adoption?Women place babies for adoption for many individual reasons. Fundamental to the decision is the unselfish desire to provide the best life possible for a child who is very much loved. |
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