LSS INTERNATIONAL POST ADOPTION SERVICES

Families who adopt children from other countries have an added responsibility to demonstrate to the government of the country of their child’s origin that the child the government has entrusted to them is thriving in his/her new environment.  Sensational international adoption cases often affect the political climate in the respective country and can have a significantly negative impact on other families trying to adopt a child from that country.  Sharing pictures and current information about how well your child is progressing helps to counter the negative effect of these tragic situations. 

Many of the children being adopted internationally have resided for years in orphanages.  They are familiar with institutionalized living but lack experience in what it means to live in a family.  These children often experience developmental delays as a result of their institutionalization.  In addition, all children, whether living in foster homes or orphanages, lose everything familiar to them – their culture, language, caregivers, friends, etc. – when they are adopted.  This is a very significant adjustment to make which impacts the whole family.  Parents frequently need community resources to help them meet the needs of the adopted child and address the stresses that the family may be experiencing. 

Eligibility

Any family who has adopted internationally through LSS is eligible for post adoption services.

Services Provided

• Support by an adoption worker including visits to the home during the period of time required by the country of the child’s origin
• Preparation and submission of reports as required by the country of the child’s origin
• Counseling, assessment and referral to community resources as needed

Cost for Services

The cost of post adoption visits and preparation of reports for the foreign government is covered by your adoption fees.  There is no additional charge for counseling, assessment, and referral unless a formal counseling relationship is established.  If this is the case, an hourly counseling fee would be charged.

Access Services

During the post adoption period defined by the country of your child’s origin, the services become an extension of the adoption services being provided.  Once the country is no longer requiring agency follow-up with your family, counseling, assessment, and referral services may be accessed by contacting the International Adoption Coordination Staff at (877) 747-8110 or via email us at internationaladoption@lsss.org