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| NEWS AND EVENTS |
| MEET OUR FAMILIES |
| ADOPTION SERVICES |
| BIRTH PARENT COUNSELING |
Children from many nations await adoptive families LSSI has been helping families adopt internationally for over 40 years. Previous adoptive families and their grown children have helped us shape the service we offer to you. Families can adopt from many areas of the world, including but not limited to Asia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. We provide help with:
LSSI and Lutheran Adoption Network LSSI has joined hands with the Lutheran Adoption Network to give Illinois families, couples and individuals the opportunity to adopt children from countries in:
The Lutheran Adoption Network is composed of Lutheran social ministry organizations throughout the nation who work together to provide seamless inter-country adoption services. LSSI also has long-standing relationships with numerous international agencies that are seeking adoptive homes for some of the world's most vulnerable children. We have decades of experience in inter-country adoption. Licensed adoption staff help guide couples and individuals through each step of the adoption process, which includes:
Lutheran Adoption Network has facilitated the placement of thousands of children with families who will care for and love them for a lifetime. FAQ’s
What services does LSSI offer for people interested in international adoption? LSSI is a “direct service agency” which means that we provide licensing to meet the requirements of the State of Illinois. LSSI can help you connect with an international agency or you may choose and agency on your own. An international agency is the agency that has direct contact with the country that you have chosen to adopt from. In addition, we conduct a home study, assist you with training and provide post-placement services after you return home with your child. How long does it take to adopt? The home study and licensing process lasts approximately 10 to 12 weeks. During this time your adoption specialist will assist you with selecting an international adoption agency that best meets your needs. Once the agency is selected, you begin gathering the necessary documents required by the country from which you plan to adopt. From the time your paperwork is accepted by an the international adoption agency, an adoption may be completed in approximately 6 to 12 months; times vary depending on the country from which you plan to adopt. The home study is essentially a summary of who you are and why you would like to adopt. LSSI obtains this information through a series of meetings with you and anyone else who may live in your home. The home study process allows us an opportunity to get to know you and provides you with the time to explore your thoughts and questions about adopting with your adoption specialist. The home study is also a document that is required by the State of Illinois for licensing but is also required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the foreign government. How do I choose an international agency? There are many international agencies who have excellent reputations and a knowledgeable staff which includes agencies that are a part of the Lutheran Adoption Network. You may work with any international agency you choose. Our adoption specialist can also help you to identify an agency that best suits your stated needs. What are the requirements to adopt internationally? The requirements to adopt internationally vary by country and your adoption specialist can assist you with this. The requirements for the State of Illinois and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service include passing a criminal background check, having sufficient income to meet your own families needs and that you be in good health. In addition, LSSI will require that you meet the licensing requirements of the State of Illinois. What countries do most people adopt from? Approximately 20,000 children are adopted each year through international adoption. The greatest number of children come from China, Russia, Guatemala and South Korea. However, there are many other countries that have successful and ethical international adoption programs such as Kazakhstan, Ukraine, India, Philippines and Thailand. What is involved in post placement? Post placement services involve visits to your home after your adoption by an adoption specialist. The visits are meant to provide progress reports to the country from which you adopt. These reports provide an important opportunity to let the child’s country of origin know how well he/she is being cared for. The number of post placement reports are determined by the foreign government. Our registration, home study and preparation fee is $2,250.00. Post placement fees are $250.00 per visit. Additional fees of approximately $15,000 to $30,000 will be needed to cover services of the international agency, travel expenses, legal fees, and other associated costs. This varies per international agency and country chosen. You adoption specialist will review all of this with you during the process. To begin the process to adopt or to simply meet with an adoption specialist, please contact an adoption specialist at 1-888-671-0300 or Request Information Online LSSI Adoption Services, 1-888-671-0300 or Request Information Online |
