Children all over the world are in need of loving homes. Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida is proud to help facilitate the next addition to your family.
LSS is a member of the Lutheran Adoption Network (LAN). LAN is a national collaboration of 30 Lutheran social ministry organizations that are active in international adoptions and who are members of Lutheran Services in America (LSA). As a whole, LAN member agencies place thousands of children in caring adoptive homes every year. However, we are not all Lutherans, and we do not restrict our services to Lutherans. LSS and LAN provide adoption services to all qualified parents regardless of faith.
As a direct service agency, LSS is the only agency in 11 counties licensed to
handle international adoptions and the only member agency of LAN operating in
the state of Florida.
Due to its affiliation with LAN, LSS is able to help prospective parents adopt children from such countries as:
- China
- Colombia
- Guatemala
- Mongolia
- Philippines
- Poland
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Vietnam
 The children in need of adoption come from many diverse backgrounds and cultures and range in age from a few months old to 16 years old. Their histories may consist of short stays in a hospital or extended periods of time in orphanages or foster homes. The amount of information available about the child's medical, social, and parental backgrounds depends on the children's countries and individual situations. However, LSS is committed to helping parents obtain as much information as possible about their child.
ADOPTION PROCESS
Application - The first step in the adoption process is for families to make an application to LSS expressing their wish to adopt internationally.
Home Study - Next, all families must complete a home study, which includes medical examinations, letters of reference, home visits, a criminal record check and other state and federal requirements.
Dossier - The preparation of the dossier (legal papers that support your home study) is the final step you need to complete before a child can be referred to you.
Referral of a child - Typically, a specific child is referred to you. The referral papers are translated into English, and families are encouraged to review the information with a physician or other experts to formally accept the referral.
CIS Approval - All families must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), to adopt internationally.
Travel - Traveling to your child's country of origin is usually required. Prior to your departure, the necessary arrangements are confirmed with the representative(s) in the country, who ensures transportation to and from the airport and also serves as an official translator and accompanies the family to any appointments. Additionally, they will offer you sightseeing or other cultural opportunities.
Post-placement - The post-placement period includes several home visits and the U.S. adoption finalization. Reports and photographs are sent back to your child's country of origin informing the orphanage and birth parent(s) about how your child and family are adjusting.
FAQs
Do I have to be Lutheran to adopt through Lutheran Social Services?
No. Lutheran Social Services provides adoption services to all qualified parents, regardless of religious affiliation.
How long does the adoption process take?
The first step is the home study, which takes about three months. Placement of a child usually occurs within 12 months upon completion of the home study.
Is travel always required?
For almost all countries, travel by at least one parent is required. Parents are strongly encouraged to travel for their adoption, regardless of country requirements. This is a great way to experience the culture of the child's birthplace.
How much does adopting a child cost?
Costs for adopting a child depend on variables such as age of the child, country of origin and travel timing. In general, total costs range between $15,00 and $30,000.
CONTACT INFO
For more information on the LSS International Adoption Program, please contact:
Kelsea Eckert
LSS International Adoption Coordinator
Toll-free: 1.888.LSS.ADOPT (577.2367)
wkeckert@lssjax.org
|
