Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Adoption and Foster Care Services in Minnesota
We are a combined nonprofit organization formed in 2012 by Children's Home Society of Minnesota (founded in 1889) and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (founded in 1865). Our mission centers on finding permanent families for children through adoption and foster care services while providing lifelong support to all members of the adoption constellation. We operate with core values prioritizing children's best interests, ethical practices, and respect for diverse perspectives. Our team of experienced professionals offers comprehensive services including international and domestic adoption, foster care licensing, pregnancy counseling, and post-adoption support.We maintain transparent practices with accessible guidelines, contracts, and fee structures, and we adhere to rigorous accreditation standards through the Center for Excellence in Adoption Services. Our grievance procedures ensure fair resolution processes for all clients, and we provide 24/7 pregnancy counseling services to support expectant parents making critical life decisions.
Services
Adoption Services
Foster Care Licensing
Pregnancy Counseling
Post-Adoption Support
International Adoption
Infant Adoption
Foster Care Adoption
Support Groups
Education Classes
Crisis Resources
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have over 150 years of combined experience in adoption and foster care services
- Our team provides 24/7 personalized pregnancy counseling and support
- We maintain transparent practices with accessible service guidelines and fee structures
- Our services are accredited by the Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS)
- We offer comprehensive post-adoption support for all members of the adoption constellation
Associations and certifications
- Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS)
- National Council for Adoption (NCFA)
Services
Adoption Services
We offer comprehensive adoption services including international placements in Colombia, Ecuador, and India, domestic infant adoption, and foster care adoption programs. Our experienced staff provides home studies, pre-adoptive training, and ongoing support throughout the process. We specialize in open adoption arrangements where birth and adoptive families collaborate to create personalized plans that prioritize children's needs while respecting all parties' perspectives.
Foster Care Licensing
Our foster care licensing program prepares Minnesota residents to provide temporary care for children in need. The process includes application assistance, mandatory education classes, home study evaluations, and comprehensive training programs. We support caregivers through monthly supervision visits, access to community resources, and specialized training to address the unique needs of children experiencing foster care while working toward permanent placement solutions.
Pregnancy Counseling
We provide 24/7 confidential pregnancy counseling services for expectant parents facing unplanned pregnancies. Our non-directive approach offers practical guidance and emotional support while respecting all decision-making paths. Services include parenting preparation resources, open adoption planning assistance, and specialized support for expectant fathers, ensuring clients receive comprehensive information to make informed choices about their pregnancy options.
Post-Adoption Support
Our post-adoption services support all members of the adoption constellation throughout their lifelong journey. We offer international adoptee travel assistance, search and reunion support, crisis intervention resources, and specialized counseling services. Our experienced staff maintains adoption records and provides access to support groups, educational workshops, and community events designed to strengthen family connections and address ongoing adoption-related needs.
Support Groups
We facilitate various adoption-competent support groups for Minnesota residents, including adoptee groups for different age ranges, birth parent connections, LGBTQ+ family support, and specialized networks for parents of adopted adults. These groups provide safe spaces for sharing experiences, accessing expert-led resources, and building community connections while receiving ongoing guidance from our experienced social work professionals.
People
Marietta Spencer
Former Division Director for Post Legal Adoption Services
Pioneering social worker who established post-adoption services at Children's Home Society in 1963. Advocated for adoptee rights and accurate adoption language throughout her 27-year career. Instrumental in legislative changes improving information exchange among adoption triad members.
Questions
What adoption services do you offer?
We provide international adoption programs in Colombia, Ecuador, and India, domestic infant adoption services, and foster care adoption programs. Our services include home studies, pre-adoptive training, and ongoing support throughout the adoption process.
How can I become a foster parent in Minnesota?
Complete our free Application Part 1, attend required education classes, complete a home study process, and obtain licensing. We provide comprehensive support throughout the process including training, monthly supervision, and access to community resources.
Do you offer pregnancy counseling services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 confidential, non-directive pregnancy counseling services. Our counselors help expectant parents explore all options including parenting, adoption, and open adoption planning with personalized support and resources.
What post-adoption support services are available?
We offer international adoptee travel assistance, search and reunion support, crisis intervention, support groups, educational workshops, and access to adoption records. Our services support all members of the adoption constellation throughout their lifelong journey.
Are your services available to LGBTQ+ families?
Yes, we proudly serve all families including LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Our adoption and foster care programs welcome diverse family structures and provide specialized support through our Pride Family Support Group.
