Birth Options Services! LCFS is an agency that respects your decision in matters of birth. What to expect in a stepparent adoption: We recognize that you may be facing one of the biggest decisions of your life. We understand that it takes love and courage to make an adoption plan for your child. We know that your interest in learning more about adoption shows that you value the life of your newborn, and that you have your child’s best interest at heart. Birth Options Education You probably have many questions about adoption, such as what happens at the hospital or what it means to terminate your parental rights.  We review the specifics about adoption, from understanding the involvement of the father to being aware of the legal process in Wisconsin. You may also have unique considerations that need personal attention, such as who can care for your child while you are deciding.  You may meet with us privately, or you may wish to include a close friend, a relative, or the infant’s father. If you choose to be a parent, we will help you learn as much as you can about caring for an infant and raising a child.  Birth Options Counseling Deciding what to do can be stressful and confusing. Our Birth Options Counseling is designed to address your emotional needs.  Our counselors can assess your strengths and support you as you are making these important decisions. They are qualified to work with issues of grief, depression, substance abuse or other matters of social or emotional concern. Birth Options Resources There are many services available to you, whatever you decide.  LCFS can help you to locate the medical, educational, and social support you need to help you carry out your decision. Birth Options Adoption If you choose to make an adoption plan, be assured that LCFS finds safe, stable, and nurturing parents who may have waited years to build a family through adoption.  You can help us to select the family that is right for your child. Open adoptions have become quite common.  Many families agree to share photos and letters once or twice a year with the parents who placed their child.  In some circumstances, visits might even be arranged after the adoption is final. Future Plans Whichever plan you choose, some things can be done now in preparation for you child’s future. If you are planning to parent, anticipate the quality and availability of social, emotional and financial supports you will need. If you are considering adoption, develop a confidential hospital plan that expresses your wishes.  You may choose to name, hold and feed your baby, or you may wish to limit your contact.  Informing the hospital of your expectations in advance will help to ensure that your wishers are honored. Whatever you choose, LCFS is here to help.  Please contact the LCFS Adoption program at 1-800-291-4513 for more information