Has anyone adopted through LDS Family Services?

Question

I only want answers from people who have or know someone who has. I found an outline of the process, but I was just wondering what to expect and how long it took other people. I called them a few days ago and we are just waiting for the guy to call us back and set up an appointment. How long should I wait until I call again if he doesn't call me back, I know him and he is pretty busy so I don't want to be too pushy.

Also any suggestions for a awesome adoption website. I have one, but I want to re-do it. Ours is- http://nebekerfamily04.blogspot.com

Answer 1

Oh well.  I'm only going to point you to the best site ever that discusses LDS family services.

www.exmormon.org

Answer 2

YOU don't want to "be pushy" with the Mormons?  THAT'S funny.

Just ride your bike over there, ring the doorbell, and tell them you're on a 'mission'.

Answer 3

We had a wonderful experience with LDS Family Services.  From the time we started the process to getting a baby it was 2 years.  That seems long but it was worth it.  As far as calling and bugging him.  I would give him a few days and then call again.  If you have not recieved your information packet yet you can call and ask the receptionist to send that out to you.  There is so much that I could write about the whole process.  I am just not sure what specific information you want.  You can email me at [e-mail] directly if you want.  

But I will try and give you an idea.  You will have to forgive me it has been 5 years since we went through it.  And I think that new laws are requiring more trainging now.  We initially met with our case worker just to go over everything that would be involved with the process.  Then we had individual interviews with our case worker.  She came to our house to inspect it and see where the baby would sleep.  They asked us to attend any adoption support meetings that we wanted to.  That was nice to hear other people's stories and experiences.  We were fortunate to get the case worker we did.  We were able to get all the interviews done within a month.  I know it typically doesn't go that fast.  You will need to write a letter to the birthmother and put together some family pictures on a couple of pages.   You will have three references fill out a form for you and you will give a complete family history.  There is also a list questions you will have to answer about growing up, your experience with children, information about yourself and your spouse, etc.  Don't let any of that scare you, it's really quite painless.  

I am not sure if you know how the process works or not.  So I will give you a quick run down.  Once you are approved and everything is done then the waiting game begins.  They will start distributing your "packet" (pictures, letters to the birthmother, family history) to LDS Social Services in your area.  Depending on where you live, your area could cover several states.  When a birthmother comes to the agency and has decided she wants to place her baby for adotion they ask her what she is looking for in a couple.  Then they give her a few packets that have what she is looking for.  She will then pick a family.  You may have your packet looked at several times.  And depending on your case worker you may or may not know.  Some birthmothers want you to know right away if she is considering you and some wait to tell you.  Our birthmother waited longer to tell us.  Even at the request of the case worker to tell us since we were going through fertility too.  You may meet the birthmother before she has the baby, if that is what she wants.  We didn't have that chance since we were on the other side of the country.  (We started the process in Virginia and then moved to Washington.)  Once the baby is placed the level of communication between you and the birthmother depends on what she wants.  We sent regular letters and pictures the first year and it has slowed down since then.  Now it's just a couple times a year.  We definately send something on our daughter's birthday.  

The cost of adopting depends on your income.  It's 10 percent of your income.  There is a minimun of $4,000.00 and a maximum of $10,000.00.  You will have to pay $400.00 for the application and $600.00 for the home study.  We didn't pay either of those until after our home study was finished.  Those fees count toward the total cost af the adoption.  Once the baby is placed with you is when you pay the rest of the cost.  If you move and need a new home study then you have to pay $600.00 again, but it still goes toward the whole cost.  

I hope I have not overwhelmed you too much.  There is a lot to an adoption.  But like I said before, it is worth it.  The right baby will find it's way to your family.  Good luck and if you have any other questions please feel free to email me.

Answer 4

Yes.  My sister's baby was adopted through LDS social services.

Also, my fathers two siblings were through LDS social services.

I don't know about the wait, but it usually goes well, and they do handle adoptions with respect.