Lutheran Family Service is a fully licensed child-placing agency that provides a wide-range of adoption services including domestic infant adoption, international adoption, embryo adoption, down syndrome adoption, and search and reunion assistance. We are here to walk with you on the journey of deciding the best option for you and your family.
Use our webform to request a packet of adoption services information that you will need to begin the process of building your family through adoption. Click or tap the "Request Information" button below.
For over 120 years, Lutheran Family Service has been a trusted leader in Christian adoption services, matching thousands of children with their forever families. We provide adoption services to Iowa, North & Central Illinois, Eastern Nebraska and Eastern South Dakota! And, coming soon, we will be providing services in the state of North Dakota!
Lutheran Family Service offers a Domestic Infant Adoption Program and Down Syndrome Adoption Program as well as services related to International Adoption and Embryo Adoption. We also provide services to birth families and adoptees previously matched through Lutheran Family Service who want to reunite through search and reunion assistance.
The Lutheran Family Service Christian adoption program is built on our belief that every human life—no matter how it was conceived—is precious in the eyes of God. Every child has the right to grow in families where their emotional, developmental, spiritual and physical needs will be adequately met.
Our Biblical view of adoption means that we desire to bring children to a new life in Christ through adoption. It’s a faith-giving act of love.
The process requires planning and preparation, but Lutheran Family Service will always be available to walk with you on that journey as you create a family through adoption.
Lutheran Family Service is able to provide licensed adoption services in the following areas:
Adoption is a unique, lifelong experience for adopting parents, adopted children and birth parents. It requires ongoing education, reflection and participation, and we’ll walk with you every step of the way. Because of this, Lutheran Family Service provides adoption help to both adoptive parents and birth parents. We encourage families of all ethnicities to apply to be adoptive families.
Contact Lutheran Family Service for information and support. To talk by phone or to schedule a confidential appointment, call us at:
515-251-4900Adoption is a rewarding process, but it can also be a long one. Lutheran Family Service cannot make any guarantee of placement or time frame for the process because it is dependent upon choices made by each adoptive couple, each birth mother, and the nature of each situation. Though there are significant costs to adoption, Lutheran Family Service will assist you in finding ways to help offset some of the costs (tax credits, grants, fundraisers, etc.).
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the requirements of their State Code regarding adoptions, as well as Lutheran Family Service’s own requirements:
If you are already in our adoption program, and wish to pay your fees securely online, you may do so using the "Make Online Payment" button below.
Click the button below to view a Zoom replay of our Embryo Adoption Webinar!
Lutheran Family Service adoption branch offices are located in:
The state of Illinois requires certain information be available on the website for adoptive parents residing in Illinois. Please click to view and/or download the following: Illinois Adoptive Parents Rights and Responsibilities, Policy & Practices, Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies, Annual Report, and the Adoption Inquiry Packet (which includes a description of adoption services provided, general eligibility criteria, fees and registration form). The Lutheran Family Service Illinois license number is: 568556. The state of Illinois maintains a complaint registry which you can access by calling 1-800-252-2873.
You helped us become a family. Thanks for everything. You are so wonderful at what you do– kind, compassionate, ethical and honest. Thank you for your strength and support during these crazy and beautiful times.
- Lucas & Sofia
Ashley & Brandon’s Adoption Story
Should I Use an Adoption Agency or Attorney?
Adoptive Couple Fears – The Big 1st Impression: The Profile Book
Adoptive Couple Fears – The Home Study
Adoptive Couple Fears – Can I Love this Child as Much as I do (or would) our Biological Child?
Adoptive Couple Fears – What if the Birth Mother Changes Her Mind?
Adoptive Couple Fears – Waiting Stinks…We Are Ready To Be Parents Now!
Adoptive Couple Fears – The Match Meeting
What Kind of Woman Allows Her Child to be Adopted??
Thoughts Behind a Biological Family Reunion from Different Perspectives
