CAPE GIRARDEAU – Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS), one of Missouri’s longest-serving social service agencies, is celebrating National Adoption Month by spotlighting the growing benefits of open adoption.
National Adoption Month, an initiative led by the Children’s Bureau each November, raises awareness about the crucial role adoption plays in the lives of children and families.
“Open adoption offers a unique and meaningful path for many families,” said Evelyn Buessink, LFCS Program Manager for Adoption Services in Cape Girardeau. “It promotes ongoing communication, shared information, and a sense of belonging. We are committed to supporting families, especially those choosing open adoption throughout the adoption process.”
Open adoption allows adoptive families and biological parents to maintain regular communications, fostering emotional support and understanding for everyone involved. Research, including a study in the Journal of Family Psychology, shows that families involved in open adoption report higher levels of satisfaction and well-being than those in closed adoption.
Throughout National Adoption Month, LFCS encourages individuals and communities to explore adoption as a way to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. By offering a wide range of adoption services, including counseling, education, financial assistance, and support groups, LFCS strives to create a nurturing environment for adoptive families and children in need.
According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, the number of families waiting to adopt is estimated between one to two million, approximately 36 families for every child placed in adoption.
In line with its mission, LFCS is dedicated to building healthy relationships in open adoptions, providing ongoing support for adoptive families and biological parents.
“National Adoption Month is a time to celebrate the diverse ways families are formed,” Buessink said. “As open adoption grows, we recognize the love, connection, and fulfillment that adoption can bring to countless lives, and we are honored to stand with adoptive parents during this special time.”
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.