How To Get Started

The adoption process begins with submitting an application, followed by a home study and home visit. The home study is a requirement for anyone applying for adoption — whether domestic, inter-country, agency, or private.

We specialize in domestic adoptions in Louisiana. If you live outside of Louisiana but want to adopt a child from Louisiana, we can still help you.

Meet St. Elizabeth

Openness in Adoption

Birth mothers offer adopting families the most incredible gift. Because of their selflessness, we encourage the birth mother to take charge of all decisions throughout their adoption. The birth mother chooses the adoptive parents, meets with them openly at the agency, chooses her hospital plan, and decides whether she’ll remain in touch after the birth. She has three main Louisiana adoption options to choose from: open, semi-open, and closed. 

Based in Louisiana, St. Elizabeth Foundation specializes in open adoptions. That means we can mediate communication between the birth parent and adoptive family. However, some birth mothers choose a closed adoption, and we respect their wishes.

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The Adoption Process

Understanding the road ahead can make the process less scary. Here is a simple breakdown of how the adoption process works with St. Elizabeth Foundation.


1. Qualify

First, ensure you meet our basic requirements. We provide adoption services for couples who have been married for at least five years.

2. Apply

Fill out a formal application to officially begin your journey with us. This tells us you are ready to move forward.

3. The Home Study

This is a detailed review required by Louisiana law. It includes: – Background checks to ensure safety. – A visit to your home to inspect the environment. – Interviews to discuss your readiness for parenting. The home study may sound intimidating, but it is designed to ensure the best placement for each child.

4. Education Program

You will attend educational sessions to learn about adoptive parenting. We cover public misconceptions and how to handle questions as your child grows.

5. Create Your Profile

Every adoptive family makes a profile book, sharing information about their families, interests, faith, and more. This allows birth mothers to get to know you.

6. Match and Placement

This is the moment you’ve waited for! A birth mother chooses your family. When the baby is born and legal rights are surrendered, the baby is placed in your care.

7. Legal Rights and Finalization

We help navigate all legal responsibilities. After a period of post-placement supervision, we help you finalize the adoption in court. The child is now legally yours!

1. Qualify

First, ensure you meet our basic requirements. We provide adoption services for couples who have been married for at least five years.

2. Apply

Fill out a formal application to officially begin your journey with us. This tells us you are ready to move forward.

3. The Home Study

This is a detailed review required by Louisiana law. It includes: – Background checks to ensure safety. – A visit to your home to inspect the environment. – Interviews to discuss your readiness for parenting. The home study may sound intimidating, but it is designed to ensure the best placement for each child.

4. Education Program

You will attend educational sessions to learn about adoptive parenting. We cover public misconceptions and how to handle questions as your child grows.

5. Create Your Profile

Every adoptive family makes a profile book, sharing information about their families, interests, faith, and more. This allows birth mothers to get to know you.

6. Match and Placement

This is the moment you’ve waited for! A birth mother chooses your family. When the baby is born and legal rights are surrendered, the baby is placed in your care.

7. Legal Rights and Finalization

We help navigate all legal responsibilities. After a period of post-placement supervision, we help you finalize the adoption in court. The child is now legally yours!

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Common Questions for Adopting Parents

Starting the adoption journey brings up many questions. We know you want to make the best decisions for your future child and your family. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from prospective parents.


Who can adopt through St. Elizabeth Foundation?

To adopt through our agency, we require prospective parents to be a married couple. You must have been married for at least five years. We believe a stable marriage provides a strong foundation for a child.


How long does the adoption process take?

The timeline varies for every family. It depends on several factors, including how long it takes to complete your home study and when a birth mother chooses your profile. Patience is key, but we promise to be with you the whole time.


What is the difference between open and closed adoption?

We specialize in semi-open adoptions. This means we help mediate communication between you and the birth parents.

Louisiana adoption options include: 

  • Open Adoption: You and the birth parents have direct contact.
  • Semi-Open Adoption: We handle the communication (such as sharing letters and photos) to keep boundaries safe while allowing a connection.
  • Closed Adoption: There is no contact, though medical history is usually shared.

What are the costs involved?

Adoption costs can vary. We strive to be transparent about our fees. These cover the legal work, counseling for birth mothers, and the administrative support needed to finalize your adoption.


Crafting Your Adoption Profile

One of the most exciting parts of our Louisiana adoption services is creating your family profile. This is a special book that tells your story. It is what birth mothers look at when they are choosing a family for their baby.

Your profile should be honest and heartfelt. It should show your hobbies, your home, and the love you have to give.

Think of it as a snapshot of the life a child would have with you.

  • Include photos of your family and pets.
  • Write about your traditions and values.
  • Share why you want to adopt.

We know this part can feel daunting. You want it to be perfect. But don’t worry. We can help you with this!


Tips for Creating the Perfect Adoption Profile
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Real Stories From Real Families

Sometimes, the best way to understand adoption is to hear the stories of families who have gone through it. Watch this video to meet just one of the families who found joy through St. Elizabeth Foundation.


How We Support You

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we don’t just process paperwork. We care for people. Our Louisiana adoption services are built on a foundation of support for everyone involved in the adoption triad: the child, the birth mother, and the adoptive parents.


Adoptive mom and dad holding new baby

Support for Adoptive Families

We prepare you for parenthood and the unique aspects of adoption.

Our support includes:

  • Education: Classes on how to talk to your child about adoption.
  • Guidance: Help with the home study and legal requirements.
  • Post-Placement Support: We are still here for you even after you bring your baby home.

By offering supportive Louisiana adoption options, we ensure that adoptions are successful and families are strong.

Ready to Start?

We hope this guide helps you understand your Louisiana adoption options. Building a family is a miracle, and we would be honored to help you build yours. If you are ready to take the next step or just have more questions, please reach out to us.

We are here to listen and help. Contact St. Elizabeth Foundation today to learn more about our Louisiana adoption services and how we can help you bring your child home.