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Counseling is confidential and ongoing throughout pregnancy. Adoption is recognized as a positive, loving option, however, we stress that the birthmother makes the final choice. Counseling is also available for the birthfather, extended family members and support persons. Volunteers of America also has videos of birthmother and adoption stories available for viewing at our office. Medical Assistance Our staff can help birthmothers obtain a state Medicaid card if she is not medically insured. We’re qualified to complete all the paperwork necessary to obtain Medicaid assistance and make referrals for medical care. By knowing the policies and procedures at area hospitals, we can help the birthmother during hospitalization. Screening Adoptive Families Through extensive paperwork, home visits, reference checks and in-depth interviews, the staff works with couples who can provide the best physical, financial and emotionally secure environment for every child released for adoption. Homes are approved for children who are racially mixed and have special needs. Licensed Agency Our Adoption and Maternity Program has been licensed by the State of Louisiana, Office of Community Services, as a child placement agency for more than 60 years. The program received its license from the Mississippi Department of Human Services in 1999. We are only licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi. We must adhere to the regulations determined by the state Licensing Department, which ensures the agency always maintains highest standards in operating procedures. This includes a secure records maintenance system. We serve clients throughout South Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. Legal Counsel Volunteers of America employs its own attorney to keep the agency informed about changes or additions to the Louisiana Children's Code — the laws governing family services (including adoption). Skilled legal counsel is essential to provide protection and anonymity for all involved in the adoption process. Using a single attorney throughout each legal step in the adoption process ensures confidentiality. Buddy System Many women considering adoption have questions best answered by other women who have placed children for adoption. Many of our birthmothers stay in touch and volunteer to work with pregnant women in the program. This "buddy system" allows women to help each other, develop new friendships and have a strong support network. Post-Placement Updates Birth families and adoptive families are encouraged to correspond with one another, though this is not required. At minimum, birthparents receive progress reports and photographs of the baby for the first year and an annual birthday letter for the first five years. If more than minimum contact is desired, counselors negotiate a mutual agreement between birthparents and adoptive family. These may include the exchange of gifts, updates over a specific period of time, post-placement visits and/or additional photographs and letters. Most arrangements are made before the child is born. This way, all parties clearly understand the adoption terms at the time of placement. Support Group We facilitate a support group for birthparents who have placed their children for adoption. The group offers education, therapeutic services and the opportunity to share experiences with others who faced the same decision. Adoptive Couple Profiles Birthparents considering adoption and the Maternity Case Manager reach the point where they agree they are ready to consider families with whom to place the child. Several profiles of prospective adoptive couples will be presented. After reading and discussing the profiles, birthparents decide which family will be the best placement.