Through extensive paperwork, home visits, reference checks and in-depth interviews, our staff works with couples who can provide the best physical, financial and emotionally secure environment for every child released for adoption. State Licensing 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 must adhere to the regulations as determined by the State Licensing Department which ensures the agency always maintains the highest standards, including a secure records maintenance system. We serve clients throughout South Louisiana and Gulf Coast Region.

Post-Placement Updates At minimum, birthparents receive progress reports and photographs of their baby for the first year and an annual birthday letter for the first five years.

If more is desired, counselors negotiate a mutual agreement between birthparents and the adoptive family. These may include exchange of gifts, updates over a specific period of time, post-placement visits and/or more 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.

Adoptive Parent Education

We strive to prepare parents for adding an adoptive child into their lives.  As part of the home study, our staff provides educational classes on:

• Degrees of openness
• Talking to your child and others about adoption
• Baby basics and bonding
• Searching and reunions.

Domestic Adoption Home Study We provide home study and post placement services to families adopting domestically and internationally, to families using agency as well as private (attorney) adoption. A home study can typically be completed within three months. Adoption home studies consist of three interviews and require birth and marriage certificates, autobiography information, local and state criminal background clearance, state child abuse clearance and real estate and financial summary. Post-placement supervision requirements vary from state to state, as well as country to country. Please check with your adoption placement resource to confirm the requirements. Contact us for info about fees for these services.