How to Adopt a Baby in Louisiana

Adopting a baby often takes time. Don't give up or become discouraged as the end result is well worth the wait.

Adopting a baby is a life-changing experience and a very life-altering decision. The process to adopt a baby in Louisiana or any state may be a lengthy one, as there are many hopeful parents out there looking to adopt. In order to do so, an individual or couple must be at least 21 years of age, be able to financially support a child, and be able to provide a safe and suitable home for the baby. There are many different paths to adopting a baby and, with perseverance, each couple or individual can be lead to the baby they have always wanted.

Instructions

1. Contact the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services and express to them your interest in adopting a child. One path to adopting a child is by first becoming a foster parent. This is a decision that must be considered carefully. Being a foster parent can be very rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Some adoptive parents adopted their child by first being a foster parent to the child. If you are open to adopting a special needs child, there are opportunities to do so. Parents adopting a special needs child also receive a tax credit through the state of Louisiana.

2. Contact a local adoption agency. Agencies such as St. Elizabeth Foundation based out of Baton Rouge, La., specialize in both local and international adoptions. After contacting the agency and expressing interest, they will send you information as to what qualifications you must possess. After this, a home visit will be conducted to ensure that a proper home environment is available to a child who would be placed with you.

3. Place a personal adoption advertisement in a local newspaper or online adoption website. This method is done by many couples seeking to adopt. Creating a brief, yet informative advertisement with a picture of you and your spouse, and explaining your desire to adopt a baby and what you can provide should be included in the advertisement. Also include a phone number or email address so birth mothers who might consider you will know where to reach you. You will need to hire an attorney who performs adoptions to legalize the process.

References

• Adoption.com: Louisiana Adoption Information
• Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services: Adoptive Parenting

Resources

• St. Elizabeth Foundation: Information for Prospective Adoptive Parents