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Post-Adoption Services

LSS Adoption & Birth Parent Services
2400 Park Avenue
Mpls, MN 55404

612.879.5230
1.888.205.3769
adoption@lssmn.org

 A program of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota which serves all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or age.

 

Post Adoption Services

LSS offers a broad range of post adoption services for the birth family, the adoptive family, and adopted children and adults. This includes support to the adoptive family following placement and finalization, facilitating communication, correspondence and updates between birth parents and adoptive families, providing background information and search and reunion services. We also provide support groups and trainings, as well as referrals to outside resources.

Search and Reunion Services
We conduct searches on behalf of adopted adults, age 19 and older, birth parents, or adoptive parents who are seeking contact with one another or seeking updated medical history. As part of this process, we will facilitate the exchange of genetic/medical information and we provide support to all individuals involved in the search process - those who are initiating the search, as well as those whom we contact.
 

Post Adoption contacts:

In the Twin Cities:
(612) 879-5248

Toll free:
1 (888) 205-3769 x 248

E-mail:
postadoption@lssmn.org
 

Search Forms

Read a Search and Reunion Story

Background Information
Adopted adults and/or adoptive parents may request a background report which details the background of the adopted person's birth family. This report is compiled from information which was placed in the file at the time of the adoption planning. It may include information about the birth family such as physical descriptions, ethnic background, religious background, schooling, talents and hobbies. It may include information about the nature of the birthparents' relationship and decision making regarding the adoption, if this information exists in the file.

Background Forms

Checking for Updates, Requesting Copies, or Other Special Requests
Birth parents, adoptive parents, or adopted adults are able to request that their file be checked for possible updates or contact from another triad member. They can also request allowable copies from the file or make specific requests such as naturalization information or paternity status.

Post Adoption Request Form 

Adopted Adults Placed After August 1, 1982
An adopted adult placed after August 1, 1982 may be able to receive identifying information from their placing agency about one or both of their birth parents. An adopted adult can request this information any time after the age of nineteen. An adopted adult will be able to receive the information pertaining to the birth parent(s) named on the original birth certificate, providing their birthparent(s) did not file an “objection form” with the placing agency.

1982 Request Form 

Releasing Identifying Information
Birth parents and adopted adults are able to release their identifying information by filing a Release of Information form in the LSS file. The information on the form will then be released to the birth parent or adopted adult should they contact us in the future.

Release of Information Form

Original Birth Certificates
Original birth records are confidential records that are only released to the parent(s) named on the original birth record. However, birth parents are able to give permission to release the original birth certificate by filing the “Affidavit of Disclosure/Non-Disclosure” form with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). By filing this form, the birth parent gives permission to release the original birth certificate to the adopted adult should they request it. Adopted adults can also check for a filed Affidavit of Disclosure by completing the “Request to Search for Affidavit” form with MDH. They will inform the adopted adult as to whether a disclosure has been filed, thereby allowing the birth certificate to be released.

For further information and to access the necessary forms, please see the MDH website at: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/osr/adoption.html

The following links provide more detailed information on LSS Post Adoption:

Frequently Asked Questions

Making International Inquiries

Resources

Workshops/Speakers/Seminars

Contacting LSS Post Adoption