Special Needs Adoption Process

The processes for both the Minnesota's Waiting Children program and the Special Needs Interstate program are very similar. The differences between the two are noted under each step.

Training
The adoption workers and speakers who will be training you have multiple years of experience working with special needs children and families. LSS has continued to refine and update our training to educate families regarding critical issues such as grief, loss and separation, attachment, trans-racial adoption, and the impact of abuse. Our 16 hours of pre-adoptive training will provide you with useful parenting ideas and resources to assist you and your child in a successful adoption. You may register for an upcoming training by calling the LSS Adoption office in Minneapolis at (612) 879-5230 or toll-free at (888) 205-3769.

Adoption Study
Following training, families will be assigned a personal adoption worker who will assist you throughout the adoption process. You will meet privately with your adoption worker to share information about your lifestyle, personal qualities, and values you offer to a child or sibling group. The preparation of your home study is very important as it will be your introduction to child social workers throughout the state of Minnesota. Your adoption worker will write your home study and advocate for you in identifying the child you would like to adopt.

Child Matching
Using our years of expertise in working with special needs children, and our ongoing relationships with the counties who represent these children, we will guide you through this process. During the child matching process we work with you in locating a child or sibling group that is appropriate for your family. In cooperation with state and county agencies, we facilitate the identification of parent/child matches based on criteria that you provide.

Minnesota's Waiting Children
Once a potential match has been identified, you and your LSS adoption worker will meet with the child's county social worker. When the decision is made to move forward there will be several meetings with professionals (therapists, teachers, doctors) that will supply you with additional information about the child and their specific special needs. Prior to the child being placed in your home, the child will have a series of pre-placement visits with you. Visit our Waiting Children page to see some of Minnesota's Waiting Children.

Interstate Program
Our Waiting Children page identifies nationwide sites where you can find special needs children around the country. Your completed Adoption Study is also forwarded to state and county workers across the country at your request. Should a state or county worker determine that you are their first choice to adopt a particular child or children, and should you wish to proceed with the adoption, a plan will be made for the child's or children's transition. You may be required to travel to the child's home state for meetings with doctors, social workers, foster parents and others who know the child.

Placement and Finalization
Once the child has joined your family, placement support begins through LSS. This support includes monthly visits, referrals for services, crisis management and support, and assistance locating resources. Approximately three to nine months after placement you will attend a court hearing that will finalize your child's adoption.

Post Adoption Support
After the finalization of your child's adoption LSS will remain involved with you as a support resource and referral contact.