Adoptive Parents: Hoping to Adopt
LFCS offers many paths for those hoping to grow their family through adoption. Our experienced staff can help you learn about the options so you can determine the best fit for your family. We provide hopeful adoptive parents with education and support through the entire process.
An overview of what to expect during the adoption process can be found in the Adoptive Parent Inquiry Packet.
How We’re Different
- We offer the convenience of local services, with offices across Missouri.
- Adoptive parents and expectant/birth parents have their own caseworkers to focus on their needs and rights.
- Matching late in pregnancy helps keep costs low and reduce the risk of change-of-heart situations.
- LFCS maintains low, standardized birth parent expenses.
- No adoptive parent fees are lost if the birth parent has a change-of-heart.
- LFCS provides customized referrals to trustworthy attorneys.
- The agency offers adoption training opportunities and ongoing support.
Criteria For the Program
Families interested in adopting through the LFCS Infant Adoption Program must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- Between 25 – 45 years of age
- Legally married for a minimum of 2 years, if adopting as a couple
- At least one parent is a US Citizen and MO Resident
- Applicant has no child under the age of 1 year old
- Have a minimum total income of $50,000 plus $10,000 for each child currently living in the home as reported on line 9 of your Income Tax Return Form 1040 (required with application when invited to join the program)
- If there is a history of a serious physical or mental health condition, the applicant(s) have a good health standing for 3 years based on a physician’s assessment
- Have medical insurance that covers each family member and will cover the child at birth or placement
- Have a life insurance policy to support the family should anything happen to either parent
- Accept an open or semi-open communication agreement with birth family
- Sign a no corporal punishment agreement
*We have immediate openings for African American and Hispanic adoptive families. Expectant/birth parents are best- served by having a diverse pool of prospective adoptive families to consider when making an adoption plan for their child. LFCS maintains a diverse matching pool based on characteristics such as family size, religious involvement, and racial background, giving expectant/ birth parents the opportunity to make the best decision for the placement of their child.
Types of Adoption at LFCS
Domestic Agency Adoption
Domestic Agency Adoption is the most common form of adoption at LFCS. We match birth parents making an adoption plan to waiting couples who wish to grow their family through Adoption. In our Domestic Agency Adoption Program, we are with you throughout the process, from the home study to the adoption finalization (and beyond, if needed).
Independent/Other Agency Adoption
Some individuals/couples connect with an expectant mother outside of an agency. With these independent connections, families typically navigate the matching, hospital, placement, and openness without a social worker. Some families may find managing this on their own stressful. LFCS can provide support in these circumstances for an additional fee. We often serve adoptive families who make private connections by completing their home study evaluation and required post-placement supervision in order to complete the adoption process. These services are also available to families who have connected to an out-of-town adoption agency or adoption broker/attorney.
Embryo Adoption
Adoption caseworkers at LFCS may help couples interested in adopting embryos which were created by the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process in a hospital or infertility clinic. Often, more embryos are created than a couple will use, and many couples choose to donate their unused embryos to couples wishing to adopt.
Intercountry Adoption
Sometimes referred to as international adoption, intercountry adoption is the process of adopting a child from a country outside the United States. LFCS is not a child placing agency for intercountry adoptions, but we can complete the required home study and, in some cases, the post-placement supervision required by the placing agency.
Guardianship
LFCS provides guardianship suitability studies for caregivers. A court ordered guardianship allows guardians to make important decisions for the child’s care. This may include accessing medical care, making medical decisions for the child, and enrolling the child in school. Some counties in Missouri require that a guardianship suitability study be completed by a licensed child placing agency as part of the guardianship process. LFCS provides this service and can assist you through the court process based on our many years of experience in this area. LFCS also offers counseling for children who may need support related to the circumstances that led to guardianship.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I choose a baby’s gender, race, or other characteristics?
During the home study process, adoptive parents are approved to adopt children based on the characteristics they feel equipped to parent. We do not approve families based on a specific gender, but we do take into consideration a couple’s ability to support a child’s racial/ethnic heritage and health/mental health background.
How do I find an attorney?
LFCS has a list of trusted adoption attorneys in every region of Missouri and can make recommendations based on the unique circumstances in your situation.
Can I use my own attorney?
We do not recommend using your own attorney unless he or she is listed with the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys. In our experience, most people end up having a longer and more costly adoption journey when using attorneys who do not have previous adoption experience.
How much does the legal part of an adoption process cost?
Each adoption is unique and the costs vary widely based on a number of factors:
- Jurisdiction
- Attorney per-hour billing fees
- Legal risk in the case
In general, we find most adoptions cost from $3,000—5,000 in legal expenses, including your attorney, filing fees, the birth parent attorneys, and guardian ad litem fees.
Can birth parents take kids away after the adoption?
Birth parents either consent to have their rights terminated, using the Consent to Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption form they sign with their attorney, or their rights are terminated by the Court. The cases of adoptions being overturned are extremely rare and usually involve circumstances far outside the norm.
Do I have to tell my child about his or her birth family?
Research supports openness with a child regarding their adoption and birth family. Children grieve the loss of their first family, even if they never meet in person. Most children are left wondering why they were rejected or curious about birth family members who look or act like themselves. Adoption can leave a “hole” in their identity development if adoptive parents do not adequately meet their needs for information and access as they grow older. LFCS can help you navigate all of these matters throughout your adoption journey and beyond.
Post-Adoption Services
Adoption is a life-long experience, not just a moment in time. LFCS provides support with ongoing communication with birth parents and experiences specific to parenting an adoptive child.
LFCS provides Adoption-Competent therapy to provide support to the families we serve. Our staff have a deep understanding of the complexities of Adoption, and can provide support to all members of the Adoption Triad, including adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families.
LFCS provides Adoption-Competent therapy to provide support to the families we serve. Our staff have a deep understanding of the complexities of Adoption, and can provide support to all members of the Adoption Triad, including adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families.
View our Adoption-focused resources here.
We know that the decisions you are facing are difficult, but you are not alone. Contact us today at [email protected] or call 866-326-5327 for a consultation, and our experienced staff will help you understand your options and how the adoption process works.
Get Help Now
If you would like to learn more about our services or have questions about the process, please email [email protected] or call us at 866-326-LFCS (5327).
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