Post-Adoption Services

Post-Adoption Services

Attachment Therapy
Attachment is the deep enduring connection between a child and caregiver that is established in the first years of life.  It influences every aspect of a child's development - mind, body, emotions, relationships and values.

Children with attachment disorder do not respond well to traditional parenting or therapy since both rely on the child's ability to form relationships, and to internalize the parents and their values.  Our therapeutic approach is more directive using nurturing touch, eye contact, and physical and emotional closeness.  The intent of our therapy is to provide a corrective emotional experience and a foundation for a healthier attachment between a child and parent.

Attachment disorder is one of the most commonly misunderstood disorders and often misdiagnosed.  Our trained therapists can assess the signs/symptoms, child's history and other factors that can provide solid information and diagnosis.  Following a diagnosis, we will provide a plan that best meets the needs of your child and family.
For more information about LSS Attachment Therapy, please call 920-730-1380 or 1-888-LSS-ATTACH.

Finding Biological Parents
Adoption searches in Wisconsin are governed by state statutes (48.432 and 48.433).  The primary purpose of the law is to help persons, who have been adopted or whose birth parents have terminated their parental rights, to obtain information about themselves and their birth relatives.  

For more information on this program or to request an application packet, contact:
     Adoption Records Search Program
     http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/children
     P.O. Box 8916
     Madison, WI  53708-8916
     (608) 266-7163
 
To talk to our LSS Search Coordinator, contact:
     Sue Steinfeld
     Lutheran Social Services
     3003A North Richmond
     Appleton, WI  54911
     (920) 544-0836
     ssteinfe@lsswis.org

What information might be available?
The search program can help eligible persons obtain medical and genetic information about birth relatives.  Information that could be available through the program includes:

• Non-identifying social history (information in the files from the time of adoption).
• Medical and genetic information about birth parents and relatives, including routine health information and any known hereditary or degenerative diseases.
• A copy of the impounded birth certificate; the certificate prior to the time of adoption.
• Identifying birth parent information; name and address.
• Tribal enrollment information.

The law has specific requirements for how a record search may be conducted.  Birth parents have the right to file a notarized statement consenting to, or refusing to, the release of identifying information.

At what age can a person search?
In the State of Wisconsin, when an adopted person is 18 years old, he/she can request medical and genetic information about his/her birth parents as well as non-identifying social history information.  Tribal enrollment may also be requested if there is Native American heritage present.  Adoptive parents can request this information at any time.

At age 18, an adopted person can request a search for his or her birth parent's identity and a copy of his/her birth certificate.  This requires a search for the birth parent(s).  The information can only be disclosed if a notarized affidavit has been signed by the birth parent(s).  If a court has determined paternity or the parents were married at the time of conception or birth, affidavits are needed from both parents.

Under ACT 104, if an adopted child is under the age of 18 and the adoptive parents or the birth parent - not the adoptee - wish to release identities, they can file written consent with the adoption agency.  If the other party involved has also filed a release for contact form, the agency can put the adoptive parents and birth parent together.  The adoptive parent(s) and birth parent(s) must independently file their consents.  The agency CAN NOT contact the other party to solicit consent.

Once the child is 18 years old, they must use the search program and its applicable laws.

LSS Counseling Services
LSS' Counseling Services provides quality mental health and substance abuse services for people of all ages. Our psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists help our clients build resilience, facilitate recovery, and grow, helping them live fuller, more productive lives.   We have ten primary offices located throughout Wisconsin and in Marquette, Michigan and many more offices conveniently located in smaller communities. Our state-certified clinics and highly professional licensed staff are available to everyone. We accept insurance payment and offer a sliding-fee scale for self-pay clients.

LSS counseling focus includes:

• Adult Mental Health & Substance Abuse
• Children & Families
• Co-Occurring Disorders
• Financial Counseling Services 
• Pre-Marriage Counseling
• Professional Services
• Psychiatry

Click here to download the Counseling Services brochure.