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The Adoption Process

Beginning the adoption process is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There is a lot to learn and a lot to do to get ready to become adoptive parents. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) understands and is here to help you through each step of the process. We look forward to working with you towards your adoption and celebrating with you at the arrival of your child!

Step 1

CONTACT US

  • You can call or email – 1-888-671-0300 or submit our contact form.
  • We serve families all over Illinois; we’ll connect you with the adoption specialist closest to your home who will meet with you to discuss the type of adoption you want to pursue and answer any questions you may have.
Step 2

BEGIN THE HOME STUDY

  • The home study is conducted by an LSSI social worker and includes several meetings to discuss your interest in adoption.
  • The home study process is a time of mutual assessment. There are no “correct” answers; however, it is a process by which the social worker assesses a family’s ability to parent and helps the family prepare for parenting an adopted child.
  • During this time you will also complete the requirements for a license through the State of Illinois. This includes a background check and pre-adoption training.
Step 3

PREPARE PROFILE

  • A profile is a portfolio of pictures and information about you and your family that is shown to birthparents to help them select an adoptive family for their child.
  • As you create your profile, you and your family will need to decide what type of child you are best suited to adopt. For example, you will need to consider whether you can effectively parent a child who has been exposed to drugs or alcohol or who is of a racial or ethnic background that is different from yours.
  • You will also need to consider the level of openness you are willing to consider. Open adoptions may include exchange of pictures and updates through the agency or on your own, phone calls, emails or in-person visits.
Step 4

ADOPTIVE FAMILY SELECTED BY BIRTHPARENTS

  • LSSI will facilitate a meeting between you and the birthparents. Sometimes, birthparents are not interested in meeting, and we respect their choice.
  • This meeting allows you and the birthparents to start getting to know one another, talk about the adoption plan and the level of openness planned for the adoption. Sometimes, it takes more than one meeting to discuss everything and for everyone to become comfortable with one another and the plan.
  • While open adoption agreements cannot be legally enforced in Illinois, it is important that you only agree to a plan that you will be able to honor.
  • LSSI has many birth and adoptive families who have successfully maintained open relationships with one another.
Step 5

PLACEMENT

  • The placement of the baby will happen according to the plan you and the birthparents have agreed upon.
  • After the baby is placed with you, LSSI will make post-placement visits until the adoption is finalized. The baby must be placed with you for six months before the adoption can be finalized.