Considering Adoption

Did you know…

• According to the 2000 Census data:
  • 1.7 million households report having adopted children.
  • Only 13% of these children are internationally adopted.
  • 42,000 families report having adopted children less than one year of age.
• When asked to compare themselves to others their age, adopted adolescents report satisfactory resolution of identity concerns at rates as high or higher than their peers.
• Adopted children are less likely to have divorced parents or to live in poverty.
• Adopted adolescents scored lower on indicators of high risk behaviors such as use of alcohol or drugs, depression, illegal activities, and school absenteeism.

What is Open Adoption?

Open adoption occurs when the expectant parent(s) select and then work with the adoptive parent(s) to plan their child’s adoption. The relationship continues after the child is placed in the adoptive parent’s home. Contact may include letters, pictures, phone calls and get-togethers. Open adoptions are not all the same and depend on the individual wishes of both the birth and adoptive parents. Birth parents can decide on a level of openness or ongoing contact that suits their individual style. LSS honors wishes for confidentiality.

Open adoption offers life-long benefits for the child, as well as his/her birth and adoptive families. Children grow up without secrets, in touch with their roots and fully aware of the love that went into their adoption plan. Birth parents remain involved in their child’s life while having the ability to continue on with their personal goals and desire. Adoptive parents enter into parenthood with a better understanding of who their child is and where they can go for more information.

What is the Birth Parent Process?

If you decide that adoption is best for your child, with your Pregnancy and Birth Parent Services Social Worker, you will…

• Prepare a birth family medical history for the baby and to give to the adoptive family.
• Look at the profiles of families waiting to adopt.
• Interview one or more families to parent your child.
• Select the family that's just right for your baby.
• Meet with the chosen family to discuss the pregnancy, the delivery and the future communication (pictures, letters, visits, calls, e-mails, etc.).
• Complete the Birth Plan and Cooperative Agreement with the selected adoptive family
• DELIVER THE BABY! Your social worker will visit with you during your hospital stay and make sure you are still comfortable with your plan.
• Send the baby home with the family you've chosen.
• Sign the legal paperwork. Your social worker will explain each document to you and ensure you understand the process.
• Get support for grief and loss.
• Have on-going contact with your child and the adoptive parents, according to the agreement.

What is the process that potential adoptive families go through?

Once an adoptive family has decided that they want to work with LSS to complete their adoption, they complete the following:

• Complete and return all application materials
• Participate in adoption training seminars
• Complete the adoption Home Study Interview with an Adoption Worker
• Prepare profile materials for the selection book
• Meet with potential Birth Parents
• Make a Birth Plan and Cooperative Agreement with a Birthmother/couple
• Participate in labor, delivery, and caring for baby at the hospital if invited by the birthmother
• Baby goes home with selected adoptive family
• Complete post-placement support and supervision with the family’s adoption worker
• Finalization of the adoption

LSS Adoption
Birth Parent Stories
Father's Rights