38-2286. Child removed from custody of parent, substantial consideration of grandparent. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of other statutes, when a child is removed from the custody of a parent and not placed with the child's other parent, a grandparent who requests custody shall receive substantial consideration when evaluating what custody, visitation or residency arrangements are in the best interests of the child. Such evaluation of custody, visitation or residency arrangements shall be stated on the record.

(b) In deciding whether to give custody to a grandparent, the court should be guided by the best interests of the child and should consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The wishes of the parents, child and grandparent;

(2) the extent to which the grandparent has cared for, nurtured and supported the child;

(3) the intent and circumstances under which the child is placed with the grandparent, including whether domestic violence is a factor and whether the child is placed to allow the parent to seek work or attend school; and

(4) the physical and mental health of all individuals involved.

(c) If the court does not give custody of a child to a grandparent pursuant to subsection (b) and the child is placed in the custody of the secretary for children and families, a grandparent who requests placement of the child in such grandparent's home shall receive substantial consideration in the evaluation of the secretary's placement of the child. The secretary shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, all factors listed in subsection (b) in deciding whether to place the child in the home of such grandparent. If the secretary decides that the child is not to be placed in the home of such grandparent, the secretary shall prepare and maintain a written report providing the specific reasons for such finding.

(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to actions filed under the Kansas adoption and relinquishment act, K.S.A. 59-2111 et seq., and amendments thereto.

(e) This section shall be part of and supplemental to the revised Kansas code for care of children.

History: L. 2012, ch. 115, § 1; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 66; July 1.