From Foster Care to Adoption: A Workshop

An attorney (myself) and retired psychologist will travel anywhere in Indiana to provide a workshop on problems associated with fostering to adopt.

We ask you to provide a place to meet and an audience of at least ten interested participants.

Let us know what topics are of most concern.

Contact me to schedule a workshop.

Workshop Outline

Our basic workshop outline covers the following topics. Workshops can be customized upon request.

Adopting a Foster Child

When a foster child is free for adoption, you and your attorney must ﬁle a petition in court. Approval by the Department of Child Services is important but not necessary when the court can be shown that considering the adoption is in the child’s best interest. In negotiating for the many different post-adoption subsidies and Medicaid, a knowledgeable attorney will be invaluable. Attorney fees vary greatly and are negotiable. If and when the adoption is contested, bonding may well become the critical issue.

Dealing with False Allegations

Take them seriously. Charges may be substantiated against you with one-sided minimal evidence and little opportunity to confront your accusers.

Allegations may come from a child who wants to “get back” at you for making her do her share of household chores. Someone may report that you spanked your foster child. The birth mother may have complained that you left the child alone or locked him in his room. The case manager may even allege neglect against you for canceling a routine doctor’s appointment or failing to follow the policy on babysitting.

Allegations of abuse are hard to defend against. You need an attorney at a license revocation hearing. An attorney who knows the laws and policies related to licensing and the appropriate penalties for minor violations may save many future problems.

Finding an Eﬀective Attorney

You want an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in your area of concern. Some child welfare workers may tell you that you don’t need one or that you should use their attorney. This is a mistake. You and the welfare department may have diﬀerent and even opposing agendas. The best source will be other foster/adoptive parents. Listen to those who have been helped in a situation similar to what you are facing.

About the Presenters

Peter Kenny, Esq. has devoted his law practice since 1997 to representing parents who wish to provide permanent homes to children through adoption and also to representing foster parents on a variety of issues. He is the co-founder (1998) and Executive Director of ACT. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of the “Indiana Foster Care and Adoption Association” and “Fostering Families Today.” He has offered dozens of workshops and seminars to attorneys, caseworkers, health care professionals, and foster parents. His publications include The Right to a Permanent Home: Stopping Foster Care Drift, What Foster Parents Need to Know, and Attachment and Bonding in the Foster and Adopted Child.

James Kenny, PhD is a retired psychologist with over 50 years of clinical experience. With PhD degrees in both Psychology and Anthropology and an MSW in Social Work, he has authored 13 books on family and child care. His most recent book, Attachment and Bonding in the Foster and Adopted Child, was co-authored with his son, Peter. More personally, he is the father of 12 biological and adopted children, and the foster parent of many more.

Schedule a Workshop