Lawrence Adoption & Foster Care Resources

The adoption process requires a lot of careful thought, research, and planning. If you are pursuing adoption in the Lawrence area, finding the right resources for this journey may seem impossible.

That’s why this guide is here — to connect you with all of your local Lawrence adoption professionals, so you can start your journey on the right track.

Whatever stage of your adoption journey you are on, the information provided here can help you with your adoption in Lawrence. Start reading to learn more and be one step closer to making your adoption dreams come true.

Below, we’ve listed both national and local professionals that serve the state of Kansas. We’ve included the local offices of these professionals, where applicable.

Lawrence Domestic Adoption Agencies and Local Professionals

If you’re considering placing a child for adoption or adopting an infant in Lawrence, you should work with a private adoption agency. These professionals provide pre- and post-placement services and support through each step of the adoption process, making it as easy and stress-free as possible. From financial support for pregnant women to adoption advertising for hopeful parents, a Lawrence, KS, adoption agency can truly do it all.

Before you select an agency, make sure to research all of your local options, including:

• American Adoptions

7500 W. 110th St., Suite 500

Overland Park, KS 66210

• Adoption & Beyond

16236 Metcalf Ave.

Overland Park, KS 66085

• Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas

9720 W. 87th St.

Overland Park, KS 66212

• Zoe’s House

4350 W. 107th St.

Overland Park, KS 66207

Lawrence Foster Care Adoption Agencies

If you decide to adopt a child from foster care, or if you simply want to be a temporary foster parent, you should look into foster care agencies in your area. You will need to meet Kansas foster care requirements, which include:

• Pass a background check and home study
• Complete 30 hours of foster parent training
• Fulfill PS-MAPP requirements
• Become officially licensed to foster in Kansas

For more information about these requirements or to get started, contact one of these Lawrence foster care and adoption professionals:

• Kansas Department of Children and Families

1901 Delaware St.

Lawrence, KS 66046

• The Children’s Shelter

1925 Delaware St.

Lawrence, KS 66046

• DCCCA

3312 Clinton Parkway

Lawrence, KS 66047

• TFI Family Services

2141 Maple Lane

Lawrence, KS 66046

• KVC Kansas

21344 W. 153rd St.

Olathe, KS 66061

You can also view children waiting for adoption in Kansas through this photolisting.

Lawrence International Adoption Agencies

Another option for hopeful adoptive parents is international adoption. The process is complicated and can take many years, but thousands of parents have added children to their families through this process.

You’ll want to work with a Hague-certified adoption agency to ensure your adoption meets domestic and international regulations. Start your research with one of these local agencies:

• Holt International

5330 College Blvd.

Leawood, KS 66211

• Nightlight Christian Adoptions

Adoption Attorneys in Lawrence, KS

Every prospective birth and adoptive parent should work with a licensed adoption lawyer in Lawrence, KS. These legal professionals will confirm your adoption journey meets state and local laws, and they will represent your rights and interests as you move through the process.

Many adoption agencies will refer you to their local partners, which may include:

• Kevin Kenney, Attorney at Law

7301 Mission Road

Prairie Village, KS 66208

• David J. Brown, LC

1040 New Hampshire St.

Lawrence, KS 66044

• Joseph, Hollander & Craft, LLC

5200 Bob Billings Parkway, #201

Lawrence, KS 66049

• Stange Law Firm, P.C.

7300 W. 110th St., Suite 560

Overland Park, KS 62210

Lawrence Adoption Home Study Providers

All prospective adoptive parents must complete a pre-placement and post-placement assessment to be approved to foster or adopt a child. These assessments — known collectively as the “adoption home study” — determine whether the adoptive parents are able to provide a safe, nurturing home to a child.

If you are interested in adopting a child in Lawrence, you can reach out to any one of these Kansas-licensed home study providers to complete this requirement:

• American Adoptions

7500 W. 110th St., Suite 500

Overland Park, KS 66210

• Adoption & Beyond

16236 Metcalf Ave.

Overland Park, KS 66085

• Holt International

5330 College Blvd.

Leawood, KS 66211

• MKC Services

654 N. Woodchuck, Suite F

Wichita, KS 67212

Hospitals & Prenatal Care Near Lawrence

If you are pursuing an adoption plan for your unborn child, then you will eventually need to create a hospital plan, as well. As the expectant mother, you get to decide where and how you will have your baby, who you want to be there with you, and how much time you would like with your child. Many hospitals are adoption-friendly and will help you to have a positive labor and delivery experience.

Your adoption professional will coordinate with your hospital of choice to ensure your preferences are met. Here are a few local options you can choose from:

• Lawrence Memorial Hospital
  325 Maine St.
  Lawrence, KS 66044
• Francis Health
  1700 SW 7th Street
  Topeka, KS 66606

Lawrence County Court Information

After you have taken your baby home and completed your required post-placement assessments, you will be able to finalize your adoption. The official process will take place in court before a judge, and your adoption professional will let you know the date of your hearing and what you need to do.

For more information on proceedings in your area, contact the Douglas County Courts system.

Things to Do in Lawrence, KS

If you are traveling to Lawrence to adopt, you may find yourself in the city for an extended period of time as you wait for placement to occur or as you participate in open adoption meetings. While you are in Lawrence, here are just a few places you can visit:

• Clinton State Park
• KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum
• Spencer Museum of Art