About Us

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota was founded in 1865 when a young pastor and his pioneer congregation opened their hearts to four orphaned immigrant children. Since then, adoption has been a vital part of the social ministry of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. An estimated 18,000 children have found 'forever families' of all denominations over the past 135 years through the work of the LSS Adoption.

Having placed children in each of the past 3 centuries, LSS is privileged to have played a significant role in the lives of so many children and families as the practice of adoption has evolved. From orphan trains through maternity homes, to the advent of international adoption, LSS has maintained professional, mission-driven adoption services with one idea in mind - the best interests of children.

Today, LSS is a thoroughly modern adoption agency built upon a rich history. LSS applies current best-practices to all of our adoption work, from our pregnancy counseling services, to facilitating open adoptions, to preparing and supporting parents in special needs and international adoptions, to working with other professionals for designated adoptions. LSS also provides a full range of post adoption services to birthparents, adoptive families and adopted adults. We combine integrity, professionalism and experience to create and support families.