How to Start an Adoption Search
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Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska provides adoption services to birth parents, siblings, adoptees, and adoptive families
who received initial placement services through LFS or through Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Kansas/Oklahoma. These
services are offered on a reduced (sliding) fee based on the person's income.
Services and Fees
- Non-identifying Background Information: LFS prepares
a summary of a person's non-identifying information contained in agency records.
This information may include birth, social, descriptive, heritage, medical,
and other information. Information varies from individual file to individual file.
Files may contain a great deal of information or almost no information. The fee
for this service is $100 (Available on sliding fee).
- Medical Search: LFS attempts to locate a biological
family member to obtain updated medical history information.
Neither the birth nor the adoptive family members are made
aware of the other's identity or whereabouts. The fee for this service is $250
(available on sliding fee).
- Search: LFS attempts to locate a member of the
adoption triad to determine their openness to communication and possible
direct contact with another member. The fee for this service is $250
(available on sliding fee).
It is important to note that if and when the person being
sought is located, he or she may be reluctant to meet the person
who initiated the search. In such a situation, Lutheran Family
Services will explore all possible options: Will the person being
sought (birth parent, adoptee, adoptive parent) provide updated
medical information? Will he/she provide other information which
would be of interest to the person initiating the search? Will
he/she receive a non-identifying letter and perhaps a photo?
Would he/she be willing to write a non-identifying letter or
send photos in return?
It is not unusual for the person being sought to need time
to process what response is best for him/her. Lutheran Family
Services will not exert any pressure in an attempt to hurry this
process, nor will the agency continue to contact him/her if a
decision is made not to have further contact. If, however, the
search process progresses forward, Lutheran Family Services will
assist as a mediator.
Often the search process is so overwhelming and emotionally
filled that all members of the triad need support and encouragement.
The process can cause preoccupation on the part of all parties
involved. We strongly encourage that your read books or articles
about the experiences of others in reunion.
- Tribal Certification or Enrollment: available to adoptees of Native America heritage. LFS helps such persons explore the
possibility of enrollment or certification in their tribe for purposes of determining personal or entitlement benefits. The fee for this service is $250
(available on sliding fee).
All payment may be made by check, cash, or by VISA or MasterCard by calling (402) 661-7100 and asking for the Adoption Secretary.
Persons requesting search services are strongly encouraged to begin with non-identifying background information. This starting
point often answers many questions and assists people in making decisions about whether or not to proceed with a search.
In providing search services, the agency is committed to protecting the privacy of all members of the triad. Identifying information
is only released when written consent from all parties has been obtained.
What will my fees apply toward?
Your fees will be applied toward all staff time spent
on your search. This includes phone contacts with you and the
person being sought; researching existing records; corresponding
with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, alumni associations, relatives,
etc.; the pursuit of marriage and death certificates; and any
counseling provided to you or the persons for whom you are searching.
How long does a search take?
Each search is different. The average search extends over a 3-6
month period. In most cases, current information concerning the
person(s) we are attempting to locate is not in the file. This
can make the search very challenging.
How to Contact Us
We can be reached by telephone at:
- (402) 661-7100 or (800) 267-9876 in Nebraska, or
- (316) 685-5477 in Kansas
When you call, ask for an Adoption Search Specialist.
If you wish to send your request over the Internet, click here.
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