TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Gov. Sam Brownback’s emphasis on increasing adoptions in Kansas is showing some early promising results.
The Kansas Department of Children and Families says 777 adoptions were finalized in the state in the 2012 fiscal year. Another 761 state adoptions were recorded in 2011. Those are increases from 721 in 2010, although not as high as the 816 in 2009.
Brownback, whose family includes an adopted boy and girl, has made public adoptions a priority.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports adoptions through the state cost almost nothing, while private adoptions can cost up to $30,000.
Children adopted after age 16 from foster care can receive free tuition at any state university, community college or vocational school. The state also does not prohibit adoptions by single adults or gay couples.
