This November, join families across the nation in celebrating National Adoption Month—a time to recognize adoption as a beautiful and complex journey that lasts a lifetime. Adoption is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process filled with questions, challenges, and profound moments of love and connection. As adoptive families navigate this journey, it is crucial they have a strong support system in place.
“We were able to get through our adoption process by faith, with the support of our family and friends and guidance from LCFS,” shared adoptive mom Holly Turkowski. “We encourage others to be supportive of those who may be trying to grow their family through adoption. We’ve been motivated and learned from so many people touched by adoption on this journey.”
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS), a licensed statewide child welfare agency, has been a steadfast partner to many adoptive families, offering guidance before, during, and after adoption. The organization provides vital resources and support, helping families ask the difficult questions, work through unexpected challenges, and build healthy, supportive environments for the children they adopt. With LCFS, families can feel confident they are not walking the adoption journey alone.
“Prospective adoptive parents go through an intensive process, learning about the nuances of adoption and preparing themselves for the emotional journey ahead, often after experiencing their own grief and loss if they were unable to conceive a child,” explained LCFS Director of Adoption Laurie Lawton. “At LCFS, we are committed to supporting adoptive families at every stage, from the initial decision to adopt through the lifelong journey ahead. We often have families reach out to us years later with questions or updates.”
Adoption also requires deep courage and love from birth parents who make the selfless and difficult decision to create adoption plans for their children. Their role is often misunderstood, but it is important to honor their strength and the sacrifices they make out of love and hope for their children’s futures.
This November during National Adoption Month, let’s encourage the community to approach adoption with respect, understanding, and compassion. Each family’s experience is unique, and their journey—whether through questions of identity, relationships, or emotional complexities—deserves care and support.
Click here to learn more about Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois’ adoption services.
