Youthville's adoption unit believes that every child deserves a family, including the more than 850 Kansas children awaiting adoption. The parental rights of these children have been severed through the court system or relinquished by the birth parents. These children rely on their relatives, foster families, or families they have never met to open their hearts and homes. The agency prepares families to become adoptive parents through its foster care program and the adoption unit. The children awaiting adoption in Youthville's care vary in age, ethnicity and background; each one hoping to find a loving family to share their birthday, holidays and other special life moments.
Search for children that are waiting to be adopted in Kansas.
Frequently asked questions regarding adoption in the state of Kansas.
Information about the adoption process in the state of Kansas.
Gail and Randall Whitley have been foster parents for years and always knew they would adopt. They have eight children; two biological, five adopted and one child they have guardianship of. After having two biological children and adopting two; the Whitley's were in the process of becoming licensed to adopt more when Gail's good friend became very ill with a brain tumor and asked Gail if she would care for her son. After receiving legal guardianship of her friend's son, the Whitley's moved into a larger house and were able to receive their license to adopt more children. "God has plans that we don't always know about and he has given us the heart to be foster and adoptive parents and it's a gift to share it," said Gail.
The Whitley's home was originally supposed to be a temporary placement for the two boys she and her husband adopted on National Adoption Day in 2008. But, Gail says she always knew the boys would be a part of their family forever because the younger of the two boys called Gail and Randall mommy and daddy from the first day they met. "It has to be a gift from God that these kids can walk through our door and we can love each of them from the first time we see them," Gail said. The Whitley's have plans to continue filling all of the bedrooms in their large seven bedroom house. "I always told my dad I would have 10 kids," said Gail.
Angela Zinn, Adoption Recruiter Adoption Unitazinn@youthville.org 316.529.9100 ext. 8321