Kentucky Domestic Adoption Program

Eligibility Requirements for Domestic Adoption in Kentucky

KY domestic adoptionNightlight® Christian Adoptions is licensed by the Kentucky Department of Social Services to select suitable families for children needing adoption. The selection of adoptive parents is based on their eligibility to meet state and agency requirements, their capacity for adoptive parenthood, and their openness to various circumstances.

RESIDENCE

Nightlight can perform domestic agency adoptions for families throughout the United States. Please contact our office for specific details.

RELIGION

Applicants must be committed to providing their child with a constructive, wholesome and spiritual home environment.

HEALTH

Adoptive applicants must give evidence of good health, both physical and mental, which will be verified during the home study process by medical examinations and other assessments.

AGE

Parents must be 21 or older, however birth mothers tend to prefer families in their 30’s or early 40’s.

MARRIAGE

Adoptive applicants are encouraged to have been married  long enough to  provide the couple sufficient time to establish a home, financial security, and to adjust to the marriage as well as to each other.  Married applicants must have a satisfying and secure marriage. We prefer applicants to have been married for at least 3 years but exceptions may be made. Single parents are eligible to adopt if they meet the qualifications of a stable home environment, financial security and have a strong support network of family and friends.  However, few birth mothers will choose single parents when married couples are available.

EDUCATION

Online classes and reading are required of adoptive families pertaining to parenting skills and adoption issues. First aid and CPR classes are also a requirement. Our goal is to prepare you to be the best parents possible for your child.

FINANCES

Adopting parents must be able to provide a financially stable home, demonstrated by a solid credit history and ability to live within their means.

PREGNANCY

Before you begin the adoption process, you need to complete all your infertility treatments so you can truly be ready to be the best parent for your adopted child. If you become pregnant while in the adoption process, notify our office immediately. We will place your file on hold. When you are ready to consider adoption again – generally at least when your child is nearing their first birthday – call us to discuss re-activating your file.

ADOPTION OF SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN

In order to have adequate time for attachment and bonding, it is important to have a minimum of one year with the child/ren in the home before beginning placement of another child in the home. Please take this into consideration when starting the adoption process.

DOMESTIC ADOPTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For answers to your questions about domestic adoption, Please see the Domestic Adoption FAQ’s.

KENTUCKY DOMESTIC ADOPTION GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST

We would love to see you at one of our free information seminars! These seminars are an excellent way to have your preliminary questions answered, get to know the Nightlight staff and meet other families beginning the adoption process. Seminars are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Call the Kentucky office (859-263-9964) for more information and to RSVP for an upcoming seminar or visit our Events Page.

How do we get started?

  • Contact Kara Long for a link to the Online application
  • Read our Domestic Adoption Booklet found on the Domestic Adoption page and sign the Domestic Agreement with fee schedule.
  • Begin the Home Study

Once we receive your Application paperwork, we will send you the home study packet, which contains the necessary paperwork for completing the home study.

If you have questions or concerns after reading through the information packet, please contact Kara Long, our Kentucky Domestic Program Coordinator, by phone at 859-263-9964 x 118 or by email at kara.long@nightlight.org