Louisiana Adoption Agency Guide

If you are considering adoption for your baby, it is important to find a supportive agency in Louisiana to help you through the process. Choosing the right adoption agency is a crucial step in the adoption journey, especially in Louisiana. Before you begin the process, it is important to find a Louisiana adoption agency that you can trust. The right adoption agency will offer you support and guidance throughout the adoption process, without pressure or judgment. The agency’s staff will ensure your adoption plan is safe and legal, and that your needs are met along the way.

Making an adoption plan for your baby is an emotional journey, but you are not alone. At Adoptions With Love, caring counselors are ready to help you along every step of the way. Adoptions With Love is a private, reputable adoption agency serving Louisiana since 1986.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the adoption agencies in Louisiana, offering insights into their services, what to expect, and how to choose the best agency to meet your unique needs and circumstances.

Types of Adoption Agencies in Louisiana

The first step for every adoption plan is finding the best Louisiana adoption agency. You will want to find one that will offer all the services you need, listen to your concerns, and wishes, and support you every step of the way. Here is a breakdown of the different types of adoption agencies in Louisiana:

Private adoption agencies

The most common type of adoption agencies in Louisiana – and the U.S. in general – are private adoption agencies. These are also the most common type of domestic adoption agencies, as well. With a private, domestic adoption agency like Adoptions With Love, you have the power to work with an experienced, reputable adoption agency that often handles the entire adoption process. The best adoption agencies in Louisiana will offer free supportive services. They also give expectant/birth mothers the power to choose the child’s adoptive family. With a private adoption, you can also select the type of adoption you want. If you want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption, that can be arranged. Your health, wellbeing, needs and wishes will always be respected.

Foster care

Foster care is a temporary service offered by the State of Louisiana to ensure the safety of a child in danger or neglect. A child is only placed in the foster care system when their parents have been deemed unfit to raise a child. This happens when there are signs of abuse, neglect, and/or in the inability to raise a child – due to financial, emotional, mental, or physical challenges. Foster care is not something that an expectant/birth mother chooses. This is something that the courts deem necessary for the safety and health of a child.

Open Adoption vs. Closed Adoption

One of the many decisions expectant/birth mothers get is the type of adoption plan they would like to have. The three basic choices include:

• Open adoption
• Semi-open adoption
• Closed adoption

With an open adoption, you can have ongoing contact with your child’s adoptive family. This can look different for every family. It may involve text messages once a month, or emails once every few weeks – and in-person reunions, if you choose. Or perhaps you would just like the opportunity to receive letters and picture updates. You can determine the form and frequency of communication. Your adoption counselor can guide you and help you determine the plan that will best meet your needs. You can also determine the way your open adoption will be with your child’s adoptive family. Often, the relationship between birth and adoptive parents grows over time. Open adoption is more common today, and children, adoptive parents, and birth parents all benefit from this arrangement.

If you would rather have a closed adoption, that is okay, too. Your adoption agency should respect any decision you make regarding your adoption plan. Adoptions With Love keeps photos and letters on file, should a birth mother change her mind and wish to open the adoption later.

What is the Best Louisiana Agency for Expectant/Birth Mothers?

This is a personal decision that every expectant/birth mother must make for herself. You should feel comfortable with your adoption agency. The best Louisiana adoption agencies will let you know that you and your baby are a priority; they will make you feel like someone who deserves the best care, and they will treat you like family. This is often based on the feeling you get when you contact the organization. There are some important things to look for in an adoption agency in Louisiana, too, such as supportive services offered.

How to Choose an Adoption Agency in Louisiana

Factors to Consider

Before you decide on your Louisiana adoption agency, consider what is most important. The best adoption agencies in Louisiana will be fully licensed, have an excellent reputation and experience, and offer supportive services – including financial assistance. The best Louisiana adoption agencies will also make you and your child the priority. This professional will travel to you, no matter where you live in Louisiana. They will make a personal connection with you and help you feel supported and respected throughout the adoption journey.

Questions to Ask

Here are some questions that birthmothers should ask potential Louisiana adoption agencies:

• What kind of supportive services can you offer me?
• What are the qualifications of your counselors?
• Do I have access to a licensed adoption attorney?
• Who can I turn to for questions about my adoption?
• What is the availability like for support?
• What about support after the baby is born?
• What are my adoption plan options?
• How about my birth plan options?
• How long have you been working with birth parents in Louisiana?

Researching Agency Credibility

Before choosing your Louisiana adoption agency, it is important to research the organization. Make sure that the agency you are considering is credited and licensed to handle adoptions in Louisiana. This will ensure that you have a safe and legal adoption.

Understanding Adoption Laws in Louisiana

Adoption Laws and Regulations in Louisiana

Adoption laws are complex and vary by state. Before exploring adoption, it is important to have a basic understanding of the Louisiana adoption laws and regulations. One law, for example, is that any adoption in the State of Louisiana must be handled by a licensed adoption professional. For the best guidance on these laws, consult your adoption agency.

Birth Parent Rights

Birth mothers in Louisiana must wait at least three days after giving birth before consenting to adoption. A birth father may consent before or after the birth of the child. Louisiana has a putative father registry. Consult your adoption professional for more guidance on birth fathers’ rights.

Support and Resources for Louisiana Adoption

Birth mothers in Louisiana have the right to supportive services, such as medical expense coverage, legal assistance, and more. At Adoptions With Love, all birth mothers have access to the following supportive services:

• Financial assistance, including rent, utilities, phone bills, transportation, and even maternity clothes, as
• Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable and cover any uninsured expenses related to pregnancy and birth.
• Counseling services, before and after adoption is
• Legal support. Our team of Louisiana adoption attorneys will ensure your rights are protected and help you understand every step of the adoption process.
• Adoption planning services, including helping choose the adoptive family.
• Ongoing support. We continue to maintain contact and offer support as needed.

Counseling Services

A specially trained adoption counselor can help you navigate the emotional journey of adoption. There are many highs and lows throughout the adoption process. At Adoptions With Love, our compassionate and experienced counselors can offer support throughout – and beyond – the adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions about Louisiana Adoption

How much does it cost to adopt a baby in Louisiana?

Adoption costs nothing for expectant/birth parents in Louisiana. In fact, expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption can get financial support as it relates to pregnancy, birth, and recovery. Adoptive parents pay a fee that covers all the expenses that go along with adoption planning. Contact your adoption professional for more details.

What are the laws and requirements for adopting a baby in Louisiana?

Adoption laws can be complicated. It is important to work with an adoption professional who can offer you an attorney well-versed in the Louisiana adoption laws.

Can a Birth Parent revoke their consent to adoption in Louisiana?

According to Louisiana adoption laws, consent is final and irrevocable after the legal consents to the adoption are signed.  A birth mother cannot sign a consent to the adoption until 3 days after birth and she has received the appropriate counseling.  This is why Adoptions With Love encourages birth mothers to take all the time they need before deciding to place their child for adoption. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

What rights do Birth Fathers have in the adoption process in Louisiana?

The rights regarding birth fathers can be complicated. They are typically handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact your adoption professional for more detailed information as it applies to your circumstances.