Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) birth parent counselors’ top priority is to help you decide what is best for you and your baby. Our counselors can provide assistance if you are parenting your child or selecting, meeting and maintaining contact with adoptive parents. LSSI’s support services include free and confidential counseling provided by birth parent counselors whose primary concern is to serve you and your child.
LSSI offers:
- Free, confidential counseling to birth parents who are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
- Assistance to the birth parents in making a plan for their child – parenting or adoption. If the plan is to parent, we can provide guidance in exploring community resources that will help the birth parent successfully meet the demands of parenting.
- An outreach program that is available throughout Illinois, not just the communities where an LSSI office is located.
- Assistance if you are parenting your child or selecting, meeting and maintaining contact with adoptive parents.
LSSI birth parent counseling services are available throughout the State of Illinois. This is an outreach program which will come to you if you are not located in an area with a LSSI office.
General FAQ’s
What is birth parent/pregnancy counseling?
This is an opportunity for you to meet with a caseworker who can help you explore your options regarding planning for your expected child. Whether it is to parent or make an adoption plan, our program is designed to assist birth parents in making the best decisions for themselves and their unborn child. Birth parent counselors are there to help and support birth parents through a very difficult and emotional decision-making process. The process of working with a LSSI counselor includes looking at your own resources and plans for the future, contacting appropriate community resources and/or help with making an adoption plan. You and your expected child are LSSI’s primary concern.
 BACK TO TOP
Can I choose the adoptive parents for my baby?
Yes, LSSI wants the birth parent to make the decisions regarding who should be the adoptive family for her/their child. Birth parents are presented with profiles of licensed adoptive families they may select. Or the birth parent may have a prospective family that they want to refer to LSSI for adoption preparation/study/licensing.
BACK TO TOP
What is the cost for birth parent services?
There is no charge to the birth parent for LSSI birth parent services. We try to assist the birth parent in locating appropriate community resources.
BACK TO TOP
What are the birth father's rights?
Both parents share equally in the decision-making responsibility. Parenting or making an adoption plan usually works best if the birth parents can talk with each other and agree on a plan. If parents cannot agree, your LSSI caseworker can assist you with offering options for making the best decision.
BACK TO TOP
Can I still have pregnancy counseling if my child has already been born?
Yes. If your child is born and you are feeling overwhelmed with your situation, LSSI can help. LSSI counselors can help you locate community resources to make your situation easier or will discuss if adoption may be right for you and your child.
BACK TO TOP
Are there Families available for African-American and bi-racial Babies?
Yes. LSSI recruits and licenses African-American and multi-racial families. Some families adopt a child of a different background than their own.
BACK TO TOP
Can I change my mind after placement?
Once a surrender is signed pertaining to your parental rights, the decision is final. Your caseworker's goal is to help you evaluate your options and resources prior to the time you make a final decision. We do not want you to make an adoption placement unless you have thoughtfully considered all possibilities and decided it is the best plan for you and your child.
BACK TO TOP
How do I get started?
Call our toll free number 1-888-671-0300 or email Sue.Will@LSSI.org. LSSI pregnancy counselors welcome the chance to talk with you.
LSSI Birth Parent Counseling Services, 1-888-671-0300
BACK TO TOP
LSSI Adoption Services, 1-888-671-0300 or Request Information Online |
Download the Maternity-SIngle Parent Interaction Grievance Brochure PDF 
