This briefing reviews state laws regarding parties to an adoption. General information dealing with who may adopt, who may be adopted, and who may place a child for adoption is identified. In order for an adoption to take place, a person available to be adopted must be placed in the home of a person or persons eligible to adopt. All states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands have laws that specify which persons are eligible as adopting parents and which persons can be adopted.
Kentucky's adoption laws dictate who may adopt, be adopted, or place a child for adoption within the state. These laws ensure the well-being and best interests of both the child and the adoptive parents. There are several factors and requirements that potential adoptive parents, birth parents, and children must meet in the adoption process. The following is a detailed description of the different types of people who may be involved in adoption in Kentucky. 1. Prospective Adoptive Parents: Prospective adoptive parents in Kentucky can be individuals or married couples. They must meet certain criteria to be eligible for adoption. These criteria include being at least 21 years of age (unless a step-parent adoption is involved), having a stable home environment, and having adequate resources to provide for the child's needs. Kentucky permits both same-sex and opposite-sex couples to adopt, recognizing that a loving and stable home is the most important factor. 2. Birth Parents: Birth parents are the biological parents of the child who are considering placing their child for adoption. In Kentucky, birth parents who wish to place their child for adoption have certain rights and responsibilities. They have the freedom to choose the adoption plan and can participate in the process from selecting an adoptive family to deciding on the level of contact they desire after the adoption is finalized. 3. Children: Children who are eligible for adoption in Kentucky include those who have been abandoned, orphaned, or whose birth parents have voluntarily terminated their parental rights. Children in the state's custody, due to abuse or neglect, may also become available for adoption. Kentucky prioritizes finding permanent and loving families for children who cannot be reunited with their birth parents. 4. Relative Adoptions: Kentucky recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and has specific provisions for relative adoptions. Relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings of the child, are given preference when considering adoption. This helps to ensure that children stay connected to their biological families whenever possible. It's crucial to note that engaging with an experienced adoption attorney or adoption agency in Kentucky is highly recommended. They can provide detailed guidance throughout the adoption process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and the best interests of all parties involved are prioritized.
