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The Adoption Process In Kentucky Can Be Complicated

On Behalf of | May 9, 2023 | Family Law |

It’s an exciting time when people decide to expand a family through adoption, but the process may be more complicated than they realize. In Kentucky, there are several steps to be aware of.

Adoption Process

Adoption is the process where parental rights are permanently transferred from a child’s birth parents to adoptive parents. Parents can choose to work with an adoption agency or through foster care, depending on what is right for their family.

The adoptive parents must complete an application with information about their background, including employment, financial and social history. They must also complete a home study, which involves an interview, background check and a home visit conducted by a social worker or agency.

They may also be required to complete an adoption training program. Once those steps are complete, the adoptive family generally waits for a match to be made between their family and a child in need of adoption.

Termination Of Parental Rights

Before the child can be adopted, the birth parents’ rights must be terminated by the court. Sometimes, the rights are terminated because the birth parent abandoned, neglected, abused or failed to support the child. In other situations, the birth parent does not have the capacity to care for the child.

Once the birth parents’ rights are terminated, the adoptive parents can petition the court to legally adopt the child. The court will hear the case and determine if the adoption is in the best interest of the child.

Once the adoption is finalized, it creates a permanent, legal relationship between the child and the adoptive parents.