Most of the steps involved with adopting a child through LDS Family Services are the same as or similar to adopting a child through other avenues. A homestudy is completed, prospective parents are subjected to criminal and child abuse background checks, and they must provide a variety of documentation about marriage, financial and employment status, and health. Couples also typically write a “dear birthparent” letter and create an adoptive parent profile that can be reviewed by expectant parents who are considering an adoption plan. Profiles include information about the couple such as age, education, employment, appearance, length of marriage, hobbies, and other children already in the family (including whether adopted or biological). Families can customize their profiles with pictures and individualized information, and they also specify the gender and ethnicity of the child they would like to adopt (if they have preferences) and whether they will consider a child with special needs.

Once a couple has completed the interview/homestudy process, their profile and birthparent letter “goes live” on the website. Profiles are also retained in hard copy form for birthparents who prefer to review files in their counselor’s office. In the early stages of decision-making, birthparents can communicate anonymously through the website with each family they are considering, making their choice a more dynamic process. Later, when they’ve narrowed their possibilities, they can communicate via telephone or in person, according to their preferences.

Waiting times vary widely because of the individuality of each case, but the most couples wait between 6 and 24 months. In general, although families of any size may apply to adopt, couples with no or only one child tend to be chosen more quickly. Fees are on a sliding scale based on 10% of the couple’s income, beginning at $4000 and maxing out at $10,000. Other than state foster/adoption programs, LDSFS is the most cost effective program for the vast majority of LDS families.

Families wishing to adopt an infant with special needs (including those with in-utero drug and alcohol exposure), older child, sibling group, or child/ren with histories of abuse/neglect or known medical or emotional problems must meet the same basic requirements as couples applying for the infant program. However, they must also demonstrate the ability to care for a child or children with the identified needs and be willing to access resources within their community that can provide any needed medical and therapeutic services.

Later in this series, we’ll take a look at private and agency-assisted adoptions (other than LDSFS), international adoption, and adopting through your state’s foster-adopt program. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of each option, and you’ll hear from LDS families who’ve adopted through each of these methods.

For more information:

History of LDS Family Services

Provident Living (for couples hoping to adopt)

It’s About Love (for those considering an adoption plan for their child)