FAQ
Lutheran Family Services is as close as a phone call. Let our experienced and knowledgeable staff answer your questions about adoption. Call us toll-free at 1-800-359-3834.
- What are the requirements for adoptive parenting?
You must be 21 years old at the time of application and single or married. If married, you must have been married for at least one year. There are no income requirements as long as you are able to manage the addition of a child to your home. You can own your own home or rent. All that matters is that your home is clean and safe and can accommodate a child. Call the toll-free number above for more information on the process of becoming an adoptive parent.
- What about adopting an older child?
Lutheran Family Services can assist you in adopting an older child through the KIDSConnection program. These children are nine years or older, often in sibling groups, often of minority heritage and may have behavioral and emotional challenges. These children can be in regular foster care through a department of social services, in "treatment" foster care, which provides specific services and highly trained foster parents, or residential or group homes. Families can read about and see pictures of these children in the Adoption Resource Exchange of Virginia book in each of our offices. Our agency has a grant that covers all costs for the training, homestudy and placement services for adopting children from Virginia.
- What about adopting a child aged 1 to 5?
Typically, toddlers are not available through foster care. Occasionally a toddler is registered with the Adoption Resource Exchange of Virginia.
- Will an adopted child ever really be my own?
Adopted children and adoptive parents can bond as strongly with each other as birth children. Children who are adopted are just like any other children and have enormous potential to thrive given love, patience and a stable environment.
- What kind of training do you offer?
Each of our offices offers an in-depth program that potential adoptive parents must complete before we start the home study. The length of training varies from four to eight weeks, depending on how often the class meets. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about parenting these children and a chance to get to know other potential adoptive parents. Our agency prides itself on the quality of its staff and training. It is one of the most rigorous programs in the state. Please call us for more information and the dates of the next training.We want you to be prepared!
- What about adopting children from other states?
Lutheran Family Services provides out-of-state adoption services. Although many families look on the internet, for example www.adoptuskids.org, to find children available for adoption, they still must complete training.
- How much does adopting out of state cost?
Families must pay for our adoption services as they are not covered under our state grant. Some fees may be covered by the other state or the other state may reimburse the family after the adoption is final. Fees are about $6,000 per child.
- Who can I talk to for more information?
Our adoption office is based in Richmond, however we have staff members throughout the state who can answer your questions. Call our toll-free adoption number at 1-800-359-3834.
