Lutheran Social Services
opens foster care/adoption office
(Sept. 12, 2007)

LUBBOCK, Texas - Lutheran Social Services, the state's largest provider of residential children's services, is now providing foster care and adoption services to Lubbock and surrounding areas.

"The decision to bring our services to Lubbock is a result of the growing need for our services in this area," said Dr. Kurt Senske, chief executive officer for LSS. "The reality is more and more children are being removed from abusive and neglectful homes, and LSS is well-equipped to provide the services they need, including case management and the training and support of foster parents."

Last year in Lubbock County, there were 1,239 cases of child abuse or neglect and one death as a result of abuse and neglect. Investigations by Child Protective Services resulted in 170 children being removed from their homes. In 2006, Lubbock County had more than 706 children in foster care.

Among those attending the dedication were LSS foster families and foster children.

The LSS adoption/foster care office at 9812 Vinton Ave. was dedicated on Wednesday, Sept. 12. Although the offices have been open for less than a month, LSS already serves 30 foster children who are cared for by 12 foster families. Three more families are now receiving training.

The agency is operating out of offices at Wedgewood South Assisted Living, a senior retirement community operated by LSS.

LSS programs in Lubbock include Neighborhood House Assistance Ministry and Health for Friends Clinic. The 125-year-old agency serves more than 35,000 children, elderly and poor annually. Its ministry includes foster care, adoption, children's residential centers, a children's emergency shelter, senior retirement communities, long-term disaster response and emergency assistance.