A: Many children come into foster care as a result of domestic violence, child abuse or family violence which involves the whole family system. Any person who believes a child is in danger because of a domestic violence incidence may call in the concern to the Child Abuse Hotline (800) 635-1522.
A: 1. Express your interest in providing a safe and loving home for children in foster care to LSSNY by
Telephoning (212) 870-1100, extensions 8993, 8975 or 8964.
2. Attend an orientation session
3. Complete an application form
4. Provide personal references and current medical and financial reports as required.
5. Attend the intensive pre-certification training classes provided by LSSNY.
6. Cooperate with an LSSNY staff member who will write a home study about your family.
7. Once you become certified, willingly accept children into your home when asked by LSSNY.
8. Continue a cooperative and collegial relationship withus to ensure the wellbeing of the children.
A: Lutheran Social Services of New York can help you to adopt internationally through our new Latvia Adoption program, or from other countries in partnership with licensed placing agencies.
Lutheran Social Services of New York is Hague accredited through the Council on Accreditation and can provide a full range of international adoption services. For more detailed information, contact Susan Myers, M.A at 212-870-1199 smyers@lssny.org
General Links:
www.adoption.state.gov www.jcics.org www.rainbowkids.com
For financial assistance for adoption:
www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html www.nafadopt.org www.achildwaits.org www.shaohannahshope.org www.familylegacies.us www.lifesongfororphans.org www.chase.com/newadditions
Q: Do I have to be Lutheran to adopt through Lutheran Social Services?
A: Not at all. LSS provides adoption services to all qualified parents, single or married, regardless of religious affiliation.
Q: How long does the adoption process take?
A: The first step is completing the home study, which normally takes about 2-3 months. Placement of a child may occur anywhere from 8 months to 2 years later.
Q: How much does an international adoption cost?
A: Costs for adopting a child depend on several variables such as country and time of travel, but generally the total range will be between $17,000 and $35,000. There are numerous financial aid options and programs that can help with the costs.
Q: Do you only work with New York residents for International adoptions?
A: Yes, at the present time services are available only to families living in the state of New York.
A: LSSNY does provide intensive case management to individuals. Our programs work with single mothers with dependent children, very low income immigrants seeking refuge from war-torn nations and families affected by natural disasters and other tragedies. The Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Legal Services program serves hundreds of immigrants and their families each year. Project LIFE (Lutheran Initiative for Empowerment) helps people who lost jobs and families members in the September 11th terrorist atacks rebuild their lives. We also provide extensive case management to families within the foster care system, and to individuals who live in our supportive housing facilities.
At the present time we do not provide general counseling or case management to individuals who are not in the above situations. Requests for counseling are referred to Lutheran Counseling Center, telephone (516) 751-0994.
A: Our services are funded through a combination of government contracts, private grants, and private donations. Private donations are an essential source of support for our ministry.
A: Click the word "donate"
A: Lutheran Social Services' mission is "Called by God, we enable people to reach their full potential"
A: We are eager to support the ministries of Lutheran churches by partnering in the creation or expansion of our programs. Contact Chris Connell, Executive Director for Community Relations (212) 870-1124 for more information and to schedule an opportunity for her to visit you at your church.
We are also interested in exploring potential partnerships with non-Lutheran agencies or churches. Please contact us if your agency or church has an idea that might spark a successful partnership with LSSNY!
A: A Lutheran is an individual who is a member of a Lutheran church. Lutherans are traditional Christians who follow the teachings of Martin Luther, a famous reformer of the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th century. There are many different Lutheran denominations in the United States, as well as worldwide. Lutheran Social Services of New York is affiliated with the two major U.S. denominations: The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
A: YES! LSSNY is committed to helping all people. We believe that all people are children of God and deserve the same care and love which Jesus Christ extended to all regardless of their station in life. In addition, our city, state and federal contracts have strict guidelines prohibiting discrimination with which we are fully compliant.
A: LSSNY is an incorporated not-for-profit agency in the State of New York. We are "owned" by Lutheran congregations from New York City to the end of Long Island and North into the Albany area. Voluntary members of Lutheran congregations come together at the Annual Meeting to elect the Board of Directors who are responsible for establishing the policies of the agency.
We wish you many blessings!
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