Lutheran Family and Children’s Services Pledges Support for Bipartisan Federal Adoption Act

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS), one of the oldest social service agencies in Missouri and a trusted provider of life-changing services for children and families, today announced its support for the ADOPT (Adoption Deserves Oversight, Transparency & Accountability) Act. Co-sponsored by Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH), and Doug Lamborn (R-CO), the federal legislation would address critical issues in the adoption system and protect children and families.

“At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, we are proud to support the ADOPT Act, which would provide much-needed oversight and transparency to the adoption process,” said Tina Miller, Program Coordinator/Adoption at LFCS. "This bill is essential to creating a safer and more transparent adoption process for all involved. We urge Congress to pass this important legislation and help protect children and families."

The ADOPT Act proposes several key measures, including:

• Preventing the commodification of children: The bill would prohibit unlicensed adoption intermediaries from profiting from placing children for adoption.

• Safeguarding women facing unintended pregnancies: The bill would protect women from exploitation and coercion by ensuring they have access to unbiased information and support when considering adoption.

• Protecting adoptive families: The bill would shield adoptive families from financial and emotional fraud by unscrupulous intermediaries.

• Regulating advertising: The bill would require licensed adoption providers to adhere to state-specific advertising regulations and prohibit them from advertising in states where they are not licensed.

According to the National Council for Adoption, over 1.5 million adoptions in the United States have existed since 2000. For more information on the ADOPT Act, click here. To support the legislation, click on Endorse the ADOPT Act.

About LFCS

Lutheran Family and Children Services (LFCS) is a statewide agency headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri; regional offices in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City; and numerous satellite counseling sites. LFCS serves Missouri families from all walks of life in their greatest times of need. The nonprofit social services organization provides four key support areas to help children and families in Southeast Missouri—Adoption, Behavioral Health, Parenting Education, and Pregnancy Support. The programs in these areas empower individuals and families to develop healthy, supportive foundations for a lifetime. Services are open to anyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, gender, or age.