Domestic Adoption
Beginning as a home-finding society for orphaned children in 1901, LFS has connected children to Christian families for more than 100 years. Today, we continue to bring the experience, love, guidance and understanding of a century worth of ministry to the families we serve through adoption.
As a couple participating in our adoption program, you will not be alone on your adoption journey. From the completion of the home study, to the wait for your baby, to the exciting day of placement, and through the post-placement process, we will be on the journey with you! Your first step on the journey is to begin gathering information.
What are the basic requirements to begin a home study with LFS?
Couples participating in our adoption program must be:
- Married at least three years
- Active in their Christian faith
- In good mental and physical health
- Residents of the State of Iowa
What else is required to complete a home study through LFS?
Couples must:
- Complete and submit registration forms
- Complete and submit application forms
- Participate in home visits with an LFS adoption worker
- Learn about parenting your child through adoption
- Learn about relating to your child’s birth family
- Receive and submit a physical exam completed by your physician
- Complete a Personality Assessment Inventory
- Provide references
- Complete required record checks
- Design a profile for prospective birth parents
How long does it take?
Approximately 3-6 months to complete the home study
Approximately 12-24 months after the home study until placement
(Please note that these are current averages which may change as the number of children available for adoption and/or the number of couples waiting to adopt changes.)
How much does a domestic adoption cost?
Fees for a domestic adoption through LFS are determined using a sliding scale based on a percentage of a your combined annual gross income. Please contact our office for more information.
What next?
If you would like to learn more about beginning your adoption journey through LFS, please contact Janette Clausen, LBSW, Director of Pregnancy Counseling and Adoption Services by email at clausen@LFSiowa.org or by telephone at (515) 573-3138.
Ministry Statement
LFS provides adoption services based on the following beliefs:
- All human life is precious in the sight of God.
- Every child has the right to grow in families where their emotional, developmental, spiritual, and physical needs will be adequately met.
- Adding a child to a family by adoption is a valid means of creating a family.
- Adding a child to a family by adoption is unique in many ways, and special preparation and planning must accompany the adoption process.
- Adoption is a unique, life-long experience for the adopting parents, the adopted child, and the birth parents, that requires ongoing education, reflection, and participation in the adoption process.