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WHEN AN ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT CANNOT CONTINUE

Adoption dissolution is when adoptive parents decide to no longer parent an adoptive child after the adoption has been finalized in a foreign or state court.  Adoption disruption is when adoptive parents make the choice to no longer parent a child before the adoption has been finalized.  KAS can assist with either situation.  Occasionally, even with counseling  and the best intentions, an adoptive placement cannot continue.  Although rare, adoption dissolutions and disruptions are traumatic for everyone involved and bring out intense emotions.  The highest priority in all situations is the best interests of all children involved.

There are many reasons  that may be cited when an adoptive placement can no longer continue.  Occasionally, a child is placed into an adoptive family who is unaware of that child's actual medical, emotional or psychological problems and the family may feel ill equipped to deal with the child's needs.  Sometimes, the adoptive match is not a suitable fit for personality and family lifestyle and on occasion an adoptive child may be a danger to other children in the home.  During the KAS Assessment Phase we will explore the various reasons for an adoption dissolution/disruption.

When parents approach the possibility of ending an adoptive placement there is often a great deal of guilt and blame, not only from the adoptive family toward themselves, but also potentially from outside sources.  We have found that families facing dissolution need support and understanding from others.  It is not productive to blame either the adoptive family or the adoptive child.  KAS works hard to support all members of the family in a dissolution/disruption and families will be met with compassion and support for their choices.  Families will be encouraged to seek out additional support services and individuals.  An adoption dissolution/disruption can create a great deal of strain on a marriage as well as other children in the home.  KAS will be able to provide resources and advice to help adoptive families support each other during this difficult time.  It is important for each adoptive parent to remember that pointing fingers of blame at each other or even themselves is counter productive.

Families typically progress through various stages of grief as they explore the possibility of dissolving an adoption.

PROCESS FOR DISSOLUTION/DISRUPTION

KAS begins the process of dissolution by conducting an Initial Intake Consultation to determine the needs and desires of both the adoptive family and child.  This is essentially a fact finding mission to determine if KAS believes we can further assist.  (The first step in assisting with a disruption is to determine the legal status of the child.)

Upon Initial Acceptance, the adoptive family will be sent an Assessment Kit, comprised of paperwork to be completed and returned as soon as possible to KAS.  When the Assessment Kit is returned KAS will complete a more in depth analysis of the specific situation and begin helping the family with a Dissolution plan and time table.  On occasion, respite care or foster care may be needed, particularly if the adoptive family believes the child may be  a danger to others in the home.  KAS will not take the child into foster care, but can assist with identifying resources for this service.

Once a child is formally accepted as a candidate for KAS services and the adoptive family agrees with the plan, KAS utilizes our large network to assist in identifying an alternative placement for the child.  Occasionally, a family can be found quite quickly and other times, it can take a much longer time, largely depending upon the age of the child to be matched with a new family and the particular needs of that child, as well as any restrictions placed upon the potential match by the original adoptive family.

After a suitable match has been found and agreed upon by the adoptive family a transition plan is implemented.  Based on the specific situation, the transition can move very quickly or it may take several weeks.  KAS will work with the appropriate governmental or court authorities to gain agreement for any child to be moved across state lines and will assist with identifying necessary legal resources.