KRS 199.585: Recognition of foreign adoptions -- Registration in Commonwealth --

When KRS 199.470 petition required.

(1) The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall recognize a decree, judgment, or final order

of adoption issued by a court or other governmental authority w ith appropriate

jurisdiction in a foreign country when the child to be adopted has been approved for

United States citizenship, or as otherwise provided by federal law.

(2) Upon presentation of an original decree, judgment, or final order of adoption issue d

by a court or other governmental authority with appropriate jurisdiction in a foreign

country, the secretary or his or her designee shall issue, within thirty (30) days, a

certified notice that the foreign adoption is registered in the Commonwealth of

Kentucky. The secretary or his or her designee may require a translated copy if the

original decree, judgment, or final order is not in English. The cabinet shall

maintain all records and notices of foreign adoptions in a manner similar to other

adoption records.

(3) A petition for adoption under KRS 199.470 shall be required for a child born

outside the United States without a decree, judgment, or final order of adoption

issued by a court or other governmental authority with appropriate jurisdiction in a

foreign country, or for any child born outside of the United States who does not

qualify for United States citizenship upon entry into the United States.