Case Raises Questions About Kansas Adoption Procedures

Right: Adam at about four.


Jan 7, 2009 08:26 AM CST
By Alana Rocha (TOPEKA, Kan.)

The Adam Herrman case has led many people to question the state's adoption procedures. We asked about the checks and balances that ensure a child will go to a safe home.

We also wanted to know about the role SRS plays once a child is legally adopted.

We called SRS in Topeka. While they told us they could not talk about this case specifically, we did learn about the general process.

Kansas SRS Adoption Process

Adoption is meant to give children a safe, permanent home. We learned adoptive parents go through an extensive background check. However, once an adoption is finalized, the state is out of the picture.


That all changes if money is involved. Many adoptive families in Kansas receive Medicaid to help them raise a special needs child. Those children with significant medical, emotional or developmental needs--(OR SIBLINGS.)


The state and parents come to an agreement prior to the adoption. The assistance can be a one-time payment or reccuring. If it's the latter, Medicaid requires the parents submit an annual written report to verify the money is still needed.


Their word is Medicaid's only source. They never go in person to check.


So how does this apply to Adam Herrman? According to family, his adoptive parents received state assistance, possibly thousands of dollars. Right now we don't know why.

Okay, I'm going to explain again: Adam was considered a 'special needs' kid because the Herrmans were willing to adopt siblings. In order to try to keep siblings together, the state of Kansas will issue a monthly check.