Adoption can be one of the most wonderful events in life. Whether you’re investigating adoption as an option or have already decided that you want to adopt, LSS/NCA is here to support you. As a licensed adoption agency in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, we provide home study and post-placement visits for domestic and international adoptions. Prospective parents receive individualized support to make informed decisions about their personal adoption plans. While our focus is first and foremost on preparing adoptive families for welcoming their new child, promoting healthy families is our ultimate goal. LSS/NCA's adoption specialists are dedicated to offering families the individualized attention you need while embarking on this exciting journey.

Domestic and International Adoption Services

LSS/NCA established our child placement program in 1956. As adoption has grown and changed, so has the agency. While we no longer directly place children into the homes of adoptive parents, LSS/NCA continues to provide home study and post placement services to adoptive parents for both domestic and international adoptions. As a licensed adoption agency in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we are able to assist families within a 50 mile radius of our Washington, DC office.

Families coordinate for placement with a host of domestic and international agencies who have long histories of collaborating with LSS/NCA. For international adoption, LSS/NCA serves as an exempt provider under Hague Convention with its PARTNER AGENCIES who are Hague Certified.

To learn more about the Adoption Program, contact Amy Costello (MD/DC) or Karen Rainey (VA).

LSS/NCA Adoption Process

Families who work with LSS/NCA receive individualized attention and guidance to tailor their adoption plan. Our professional staff will ensure information is as clear and uncomplicated as possible. The following steps are a basic outline of the adoption process and are meant to be used only as a guideline. Each person's situation may be slightly different.

STEP 1: Download and Complete Adoption Application

Download and return the Preliminary Adoption Application (PDF). Please call or email your Adoption Specialist (Amy Costello (MD/DC) or Karen Rainey (VA))with any questions or concerns regarding the application.

STEP 2: In-Take Interview

Meet with Adoption Specialist and receive formal paperwork (medical forms, financial documents, agency requirements, background check, etc.) and discuss your individual adoption plan.

STEP 3: Complete Home Study

Children deserve to be matched with the best family for them. Therefore, LSS/NCA takes great care in conducting thorough home studies.

STEP 4: Home Study Approval

Upon completion of approved documentation, paperwork is forwarded to coordinating domestic or international adoption agency.

STEP 5: Family Unification

Your family gets to welcome your new child home.

STEP 6: Post-Placement and Finalization Services

To ensure the transition is going smoothly, LSS/NCA conducts follow-up visits to provide support to the family and the child.

Adoption Criteria

So long as a home is a safe and loving environment, LSS/NCA tries to match as many interested adoptive parents with children. Applicants may be couples or individuals between 21 and 60. Families may be living with or without children in apartments or private homes. Eligibility criteria are dependent upon the adoption completed. Home assessment and background clearances are required of all applicants.

Adoption Cost

LSS/NCA recognizes adoption can be an expensive endeavor; however, we provide advice to prospective parents on how to overcome financial hurdles, as well as explain the myriad of fees associated with the process.

Post-Adoption Search

We provide search and reunion services for individuals adopted through our agency and birth parents who made their plan with our agency. These services include:

• Non-identifying background reports
• Search and reunion for birth parents and adoptees in closed adoption situations

Because the adoption search and reunion process varies depending on the jurisdiction in which the adoption was finalized, anyone interested in learning more is asked to contact the Adoption Specialist in your area (Amy Costello (MD/DC) or Karen Rainey (VA)).