The General Welfare Committee of the Church has approved a name change for LDS Social Services. The agency is now identified as LDS Family Services.
"This is an important change for our organization," said Fred M. Riley, commissioner of LDS Family Services. "It allows us to better define the focus and philosophy of agency services — to enhance the living of gospel principles and the keeping of covenants, and to strengthen family relationships."
All Church programs and resources are aimed at strengthening the family and helping families make temple covenants, he continued. Church leaders often emphasize the importance of strengthening the family, such as in "The Family — A Proclamation to the World." This emphasis on the family has been very influential in making this name change, Brother Riley said.
The 1998 First Presidency letter regarding unwed pregnancy also contributed to this name change, he continued.
"Every effort should be made in helping those who conceive out of wedlock to establish an eternal family relationship," the letter states. "When the probability of a successful marriage is unlikely, unwed parents should be encouraged to place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Social Services. Adoption through LDS Social Services helps ensure that the baby will be reared by a mother and father in a faithful Latter-day Saint family."
Harold C. Brown, managing director of the Welfare Services Department of the Church and chairman of the board of trustees for LDS Family Services, said: "This name change will help us emphasize our goal to strengthen families through our adoption and family counseling programs.
"The name LDS Family Services is more descriptive of the services we deliver and the philosophy we embrace as we work with ecclesiastical leaders and members. More important, it furthers our focus on helping clients adhere to gospel principles and covenants that pertain to the eternal nature of the family."
