We wanted to give you a quick overview of the adoption process with LDS Family Services. In order to be approved for adoption there are several steps that need to be taken that include; background checks, reference letters, medical reports, online forms, interviews, visits to the home, and adoption classes. Our policies and procedures occasionally change to improve our services to you, and we will let you know if a change occurs.
The Adoption Process:
1. Call the office for initial inquiry - Initial eligibility requires couples be married for at least 2 years and be sealed to each other. Couples must have current temple recommends and must have appropriate legal status in the country when applying for adoption. If all requirements are met... an initial packet will be sent to the couple.
2. Bishop's Authorization - The Bishop needs to complete a letter of reference form and have it sent to the office. Once this letter is received an intake appointment can be set up. (This is when you will be asked to pay the $1000 non-refundable, application fee. This fee does however go towards your adoption)
3. Paperwork/Online Forms - Submit paper forms to the office on your initial visit. At this point the couple will be set up with an online username and password to complete the online documents.
4. Home Study - When all paper and online documents are turned in, notify the agency and a caseworker will be assigned to your case to conduct individual interviews and a home visit. This is also where your education hours come into play. Couples are required a minimum of 10 education hours prior to adopting.
5. Finding - Waiting requires patience. Couples can effectively utilize the "waiting" period by being proactive, advocating for adoption, actively participating in efforts to find the child meant for their family and supporting adoption efforts for themselves and others through Families Supporting Adoption.
6. Selection - There are many ways to be selected; online, through a friend, or through a friend of a friend, through outreach efforts, or the agency may show your profile or select you for the birth parents. Types of adoption vary as well. Fully closed, to semi-open to full open.
7. Placement - Nevada law requires that a birthmother relinquishment cannot be signed until 72 hours after the birth of the child. Once signed, the relinquishment is irrevocable. The birthparent relinquishes the child to LDS Family Services who remains the legal guardian until the adoption is finalized. The couple pays a placement fee at the time of placement.
8. Supervision - Nevada law requires that the supervisory period last at least six months. The agency conducts monthly visits in the home during this time until the adoption is finalized to monitor the success of the placement and the child's development.
9. Finalization - The adoption becomes final and a decree of adoption is signed by a judge. The adoption can be finalized after the child has been in the adoptive family's home for at least six months. Finalizations take place in the District Family Court.
10. Temple Sealing - After the finalization, children should be given a name and a blessing and be sealed to the family in the Temple. A certified copy of the Adoption Decree is required at the temple.
All of these steps are a summary. As you go through the process your caseworker will work with you and give you more detailed information and guide you through the process.
