Domestic Adoption

Lutheran Family and Children's Services counsels a variety of birthparents from different racial, economic and social backgrounds. These birthparents come to the agency voluntarily to make a planned decision about their child's future. It is important that birthparents have a diverse population of prospective families to consider.

In the past there have been minority adoptive placements of African-American, bi-racial (Caucasian and African-American), and multiracial children. Families who can provide a child with a sense of ethnic and cultural identity are important to raising a healthy child. Lutheran Family and Children's Services primarily places healthy infants for adoption. These children are generally under six months of age when they are placed with their adoptive family. There are also times that a toddler or school-age child will become available for an adoptive placement either through our agency or by collaborative efforts with other agencies. The children who are available through adoption do not look any different than a child you may see walking down the street. The majority of infants and children who are available for adoption are healthy and African American.

What is an open adoption?
An open adoption is an adoption where the birthparents and the adoptive parents mutually agree to share information. The extent of information to be shared is agreed upon by both parties, and it can be shared in the format of meetings, written correspondence, and/or photographs through the agency. All available information on your child's background will be shared. Birthparents are encouraged to share complete information and update it as necessary. If there are any special circumstances in your child's background, you will be informed.

Who are the birthparents served?
Birthparents come from various backgrounds. They are no different than a person in your family or your next door neighbor. Birthparents may be high school or college students, employed or out of work, single or married. They may come from various economic circumstances. A child placed in an adoption will usually come to you from one of our loving licensed foster homes.

What is an independent adoption?
An independent adoption is an adoption where the match between the adoptive family and the child is not made by an agency.

What is a special needs adoption?
A special need is a condition or circumstance as defined by law that may cause a child to wait for a permanent home. Special needs children include children who are school age, part of a sibling group, of minority heritage, and/or have physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities.

Some children may have needs that require specialized medical services. Other children may have specific background factors such as drugs that may require special attention. Regardless of what is in a child's background, every child needs a home. Don't lock your door to considering a child with particular background factors. Looking at the strengths of your family and the needs of a child will help you determine if adopting a child with special needs is right for you. Your social worker will become your partner and advocate in helping you during the homestudy process to make a decision.

Looking for more information? Additional resources may be able to help you.
Ready to begin the process? Print your Adoption application today.

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