How Does Private Adoption Work in Louisiana?

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Adoption can feel like a complicated process, especially when you’re first getting into it. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the right professionals, you can find the answers you need to complete your family. But how does private adoption work in Louisiana in the first place? Let’s go through the laws and the different processes to see how the professionals at St. Elizabeth Foundation can help you. 

Louisiana Laws

Adoption laws vary from state to state. In the state of Louisiana, there are a few requirements to meet. To become an adoptive parent in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old. You may adopt if you’re a single person, but married couples must petition jointly. You must also be able to prove your citizenship or legal alien status, stable income, sufficient physical and mental health for child care, and completion of adoptive parent training. Additionally, your home must also meet a certain set of requirements. This includes having a working telephone, working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, restricted areas for aggressive animals, and a secure place for hazardous chemicals or weapons. 

In addition to these laws, our agency has its own requirements for adoptive parents. The couple must be married for at least five years to be eligible to adopt through St. Elizabeth Foundation, for example.

It is also important to note that in Louisiana, a birth mother may give her consent to adoption up to three days after the child is born through an agency or five days after the child is born if it’s a private adoption. If all of this is confusing or if you would like to know more, feel free to give us a call. We’re more than happy to explain the process.

Open vs. Semi-Open vs. Closed Adoption

If you’re new to the world of adoption, you may have an idea of what the process looks like already. However, there’s not just one way that adoptions can work. You have open, closed, and semi-open adoptions available to you. Depending on the state, only private adoption agencies can provide open adoptions. Let’s discuss the different types at our Louisiana adoption agency and see which one could work for your family.

Open adoption is the most common type of adoption these days. In this process, the expecting mother and the adopting parents are in close contact and communication with one another throughout the pregnancy and through the child’s life. 

On the other hand, if you aren’t sure how to navigate this process but want to keep in contact, semi-open adoption may be the best option. With this, St. Elizabeth Foundation helps facilitate better communication between the birth parents and adoptive families. Our agency specializes in semi-open adoptions. A majority of our adoptions are semi-open and give people the confidence that we’ll handle everyone’s boundaries professionally. 

Lastly, closed adoptions might be the best choice for those who don’t want any contact between the two parties after placement. For a closed adoption, the birth mother chooses the adoptive family from their family profile book, just as she would with open and semi-open adoptions. The family profile books all have the same limited information. She also can meet the family before the baby is born and communicate with them as much or little as she likes. The main difference in this plan is what happens after the child is born and placement occurs. 

If you still aren’t sure what choice is right for you, feel free to give us a call. We can discuss more about the process and about how private adoption works in Louisiana. 

Considering Private Adoption in Louisiana? Choose St. Elizabeth

When you’re ready to begin the process, you need an agency that’s on your side. Luckily, no matter if you’re expecting or are a family looking to adopt, St. Elizabeth Foundation is on your side. Get in touch with our private adoption agency in Louisiana and trust us to get everything sailing smoothly for you.

If you have a question or are looking to begin the process, reach us by calling 225-769-8888. We would love to answer any questions you have for us to ensure you start your family worry-free.

How to Prepare Your Baton Rouge Home for Adoption

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One of the major steps of the adoption process through the St. Elizabeth Foundation is a thorough home study. A social worker will interview the adoptive parents in their home. And, they will inspect the home to ensure that it is appropriate for a new child. How can you make sure that your home is prepared for inspection? Here are some tips from our Baton Rouge adoption agency to help you get ready for your home study.

Make Sure All Alarms Are in Working Order

A representative from our Baton Rouge adoption agency is going to inspect your home for any possible safety hazards. This includes making sure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) monitors are functioning! If a fire breaks out in your home, you should have preventative measures and emergency planning in place to keep your family safe. In addition to a working fire alarm, you should also have an extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency. And, have an escape plan that you can tell a social worker should a fire or other disasters strike your home. 

Keep Toxic or Dangerous Products Out of Reach

Children are curious, even in infancy! Whether your baby is crawling or walking, you want to make sure that any harmful items are kept away from searching hands. Store cleaners and chemicals in child-locked cabinets or up on shelves. Make sure that plants within reach are not poisonous and don’t have sharp edges. And, when in doubt, childproof rooms and table edges to ensure that your child stays safe as they roam.

Train or Secure Animals for the Child’s Arrival

Animals must adjust to new family members just as parents and siblings do. If your animals don’t do well around strangers, it’s essential to find ways to slowly and carefully introduce them to your new child. Bring items with the child’s scent on them, like a pair of socks or a blanket, to your pet for an initial introduction. But, don’t use this as your main means of contact. Make sure that your pet is leashed, and keep your baby secure in your arms to protect them from any unexpected aggression. Keep interactions slow and supervised, and use pet gates or crates as safety barriers between the baby and pet as needed.

Check Fences and Window Screens

If you are going to have a child playing in your yard or inside your house, it is important to make sure that all protective barriers are working and in place. Fences and window screens can be utilized to prevent children from getting too close to dangerous areas of the home. This is especially necessary to keep children from accessing stairs, pushing through windows, or wandering near outdoor pools. Check the stability of your current fences and screens, and purchase child gates to segment child-safe areas within your home.

Keep Things Clean!

Before our Baton Rouge adoption agency visits your home to perform your mandatory home study, make sure to clean your house! This may sound self-explanatory, but a neat home speaks volumes to an agency. While a little dust won’t make or break your home study, make sure that trash, safety hazards, and obstacles are thrown out or put away. And, make sure that the room the child will be staying in is clean, organized, and ready for when they arrive.

Begin Your Baton Rouge Adoption Today

Have you been considering adoption? At the St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are passionate about supporting birth mothers and connecting newborns to loving adoptive families. No matter if you are looking for solutions to an unexpected pregnancy or are interested in bringing a child into your home, our experts can help with counseling and thorough preparation. Give us a call at 225-769-8888, or send us a message online! We are excited to share more information with you and help you begin your adoption journey.

Unwanted Pregnancy? Don’t Worry. Adoption May Be the Answer

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Things can get pretty scary when you suddenly have an unwanted pregnancy on top of the other things you’re going through in your life. It’s easy to panic and not know what to do next. After all, you’re not prepared, you may be in a difficult situation, or you may be afraid and confused. However, you do have choices available to you. If you have an unwanted pregnancy, our adoption agency is here to help. Take a look at what we can do for you at St. Elizabeth Foundation, and contact us as soon as possible. 

How Adoption Works With Our Agency

When it comes to communication with an agency like ours, adoption works in three different ways. Specifically: open, semi-open, and closed adoptions.

  • Open adoptions. In an open adoption, birth parents and the adoptive family have direct contact with each other. Together, they make choices for the child’s life and can stay in touch in a variety of ways.
  • Semi-open adoptions. In these types of adoptions, participants may find it difficult to communicate with each other, but the birth mother or parents still want to be in the child’s life. So, leave it up to our professionals. We can be in-between both parties to ensure that each side is comfortable and communicating effectively. 
  • Closed adoptions. Perhaps the birth mother wants no communication with the child after it’s born. That’s understandable, and we can make that happen. A closed adoption might be the best choice for you, and this means that there is no contact between you and the adoptive family after placement. As the birth mother, you can choose to send medical information, but the rest of your information remains confidential.

Unsure which is right for your needs? Talk to us for more information and counseling services.

What We Do For the Mother

One of the reasons that some mothers try to avoid adoption agencies is because they are afraid of potential misuse that may come from the agency itself. However, we are aware and are crystal clear about the fact that there are two parts to every adoption. Meaning, we see the expectant mother as just as important as the awaiting new parents. So, how do we help these mothers?

The first step is reaching out to us. For some, this is the hardest stuff. But once you do, one of our counselors is happy to talk with you about your options. Maybe adoption isn’t the right choice for you and your needs. But some need help sorting through the panic to see that. 

If adoption is what you choose, it’s then time to choose a family. And, because you’re in control every step of the way, you get to choose from the families available and if the adoption going forward is going to be open, semi-open, or closed. As things continue, we’re here to provide agency assistance to help with your medical, legal, living, and counseling costs. Even when the birth is all said and done, we can continue to assist you for 45 days. Talk to us to see what we can do.

If You Have an Unwanted Pregnancy, Let Our Adoption Agency Help

We understand that having an unwanted pregnancy can be a terrifying situation. However, you have to remember that you have options. Adoption is only one of those options available to you. If you are unsure about where you need to go next, get in contact with our professionals. Even if adoption isn’t for you in the end, perhaps we can help you discover what choice you need to make next.

If you have any questions for us or want to take the next steps, get in contact with our adoption agency. You can reach us by calling 225-769-8888 or message us through our website. We’re ready to help you make the right choice for you and your needs. 

What Are the Benefits of Adoption in Louisiana?

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Whether you are a birth mother facing an unexpected pregnancy or a couple dreaming of growing your own family, you can find many benefits of adoption in Louisiana. At the St. Elizabeth Foundation, we build bridges between mothers and adopting families to not only positively impact their lives but also create opportunities for the child. But what are the benefits of adoption that lay before you with our agency in Louisiana? Here is what you can discover at St. Elizabeth’s.

Benefits for the Birth Mother

Choosing to place your baby for adoption is a huge decision that, for many, can be one of the hardest they may have yet faced in life. The timing of the pregnancy may not align with the birth mother’s life goals. Or, their home and financial situation may not be suitable for raising a child. By choosing adoption, birth mothers or birth parents can give the child greater opportunities in a loving, supportive environment. And if the biological mother chooses an open or semi-open adoption, she can continue to have a connection with her child even after the adoption process is complete. For the birth mother, adoption allows her to do what’s best for her future while still giving her child what’s best for theirs.

Benefits for the Adopting Family

For some married couples, having biological children may not be an option. Fertility issues and other health concerns may prevent a safe birth or the ability to become pregnant at all. Or for other couples, they may want to expand their family through adoption. With the benefits of the adoption process in Louisiana, adoptive families can connect with young mothers or couples. These parents can introduce a child into their home and also build a compassionate relationship with the birth mother or parents. These hopeful parents can cultivate a safe, stable, and loving home for their new baby and enjoy the amazing experience of parenthood.  

Benefits for the Baby

The benefits of adoption don’t end with the birth parents and adopting families searching for a child in Louisiana. Adopted children can gain access to a stable home through the process. This is not to say that they would not have been loved by their birth parents. But in many adoption cases, the biological parents do not have the means to support their child. Through adoption, the baby has a wider range of opportunities, including growing up in a financially stable household with two loving parents present. This can lead to improved physical and emotional health, greater education opportunities, better performance in school, and enhanced social development.

Discover the Benefits of Adoption at St. Elizabeth’s in Louisiana

No matter if you are a birth mother looking for options for your child or parents searching for an opportunity to grow your family, you can find the amazing benefits of adoption in Louisiana. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 to speak with our caring staff about our adoption process. Or if you would prefer to reach us online, send us a message through our website and we will respond as soon as possible. At St. Elizabeth’s, we know choosing adoption is a brave and selfless act of love. And we are dedicated to providing the care and support you need throughout the process. Start your journey with us today!

Unsure About Adoption in Louisiana? Read These Success Stories

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Adoption is a beautiful process, but it also comes with many unknowns. For young women or couples that find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy, you may not know where to turn for support. Or for parents who are yearning to grow their own families through adoption, you may be wondering how to get started with the process. Yes, the adoption journey can be stressful, but reaching the end is worth the travel. Let the encouragement of others help you get started on your own path to adoption! Read more about these inspirational success stories from the St. Elizabeth Foundation about adoption in Louisiana.

Advice For Birth Mothers

If you are not ready for parenthood, the news of pregnancy may not be a welcomed announcement. You may be a single mother navigating your options alone, or you and your partner may not be financially able to support a child. At St. Elizabeth’s, we make sure that you know every opportunity available to you. Start by reaching out to us. We educate you on the adoption process in Louisiana and counsel you on how to begin. And, we help build the bridge between you and adopting families so that you can choose the right home for your baby. We make sure that each husband and wife duo can offer a safe and loving home to a newborn. Kristy, one of our birth mothers, says that she found the match for her baby after reading her first profile book.

“​​I didn’t need to look any further. There was something about their book that completely connected with me. The second I read their profile I didn’t need to see any more. I knew. I knew that was the family.”

And remember—just because you choose to place your baby with an adopting family doesn’t mean that you are losing your relationship with them. You have the option for an open, semi-open, or closed adoption type which dictates the amount of contact you maintain with your baby and the adopting family. For birth mother Sherrard, she says that she is grateful her daughter can now experience “double the love” from her birth parents and adoptive parents. And, you have the support of the St. Elizabeth Foundation from start to finish. Rauyshiera opted for adoption after becoming pregnant at 18.

“I love them so much. They supported me 100% throughout the whole thing. Without them, I don’t know what I would have done.”

If you are searching for your best options after an unplanned pregnancy, we are here to help! You can also read more adoption stories from birth mothers to learn more about what you can expect from St. Elizabeth’s.

Advice For Adopting Families

At the St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help parents with hearts for adoption find the newest addition to their family. Some couples may be unable to conceive, and others may want to offer a child a more loving and stable home than they would have received otherwise. Terri LeBlanc, one of our board members and adoptive mothers, decided to adopt after struggles with infertility. 

“I went from thinking I was devastated to not be able to get pregnant and have my own child to, once I laid eyes on my son, that all went out the window. It was no longer important. What was important is that I was a mother.”

No matter how your story begins, St. Elizabeth’s is here with kindness, encouragement, and counseling to help you prepare your hearts and homes for welcoming your child.

With adoption at St. Elizabeth’s, families in Louisiana can connect with birth mothers within the state. Bill Avery and his wife knew that they were passionate about adoption and were ecstatic to be able to adopt close to home.

“We were blessed just to be able to do it here locally. Our oldest was born here in town and we were actually there for the birth. Our youngest was born in Hammond and we didn’t quite make the birth, but we were there 30 minutes later.”

Start your process today by reaching out to us for a formal application. We will follow up with details to begin a home study and visit. And, find more stories from adoptive families on our website.

Start Your Adoption in Louisiana Today

Whether you are a birth mother looking for options for your baby or a family interested in adoption, you can find solutions at the St. Elizabeth Foundation in Louisiana. Get in touch with us today to learn more! Call us at 225-769-8888, or send us a message online. Our helpful staff will be in touch with you shortly to help you determine your next steps.

Interested in a Louisiana Adoption? Start Here

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Are you a couple who has considered adoption or may be ready to begin your adoption journey? If you are interested in starting the adoption process in Louisiana, let the St. Elizabeth Foundation help answer any questions you have before you begin. There are many factors to consider when adopting a newborn, but these three questions are fantastic starting points. Your answers can help establish your purpose for adoption and better prepare you before beginning the process.

1. Why Do We Want to Adopt?

This question is the foundation of your decision. What reasons do you have for bringing a new child into your home? You may want to provide a child a healthier, more stable home that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise. In addition to wanting children of your own, you may want to also change the life of the birth mother or parents by extending care and compassion to them. Moreover, if your family cannot have biological children, you may still feel the call to be a parent. However, this question urges you to reflect on your “why.” Your answer will help drive you through the ups and downs of the adoption process and keep you focused on your end goal: to expand your family and welcome a new child into your life.

2. Is Anything Holding Us Back From Adoption?

We want you to be excited about your decision to adopt! You are taking the step in growing your family and providing a home to a new child. But, this also means that you should be fully prepared to welcome the child, both physically and emotionally. At St. Elizabeth’s we’ll work through your qualifications, home study, and education with you. Beginning with a background check, medical history, and emotional counseling, we can see if you’re prepared for adoption. Next, we visit your home for an in-depth review of the environment the child will be entering. And finally, we have parents follow our educational program with other adopting families to learn more about the journey ahead of you. 

This process is meant to highlight any pain points in your process. For example, do you have medical conditions that could affect your parenting? Are you able to financially support a new member of the family? Is your home in the right condition to house a new baby? If you have lost a child or struggled with infertility, have you fully grieved the process so that you can move forward with your new child? St. Elizabeth Foundation knows that this is a vulnerable step of the process. This is where your answer to our last question comes into play. But remember what interested you in adoption in Louisiana in the first place, and focus on why you have decided to pursue adoption. And don’t forget that this step helps you cultivate the best environment for successful adoption! 

3. Are We Prepared to Maintain Contact With the Birth Mother?

At the St. Elizabeth Foundation, we respect our birth mothers for the selfless decision to place their babies for adoption. We offer guidance and care throughout the birth and adoption, but we give her full control in the decision-making process. She has the option to choose an open, semi-open, or closed adoption. At our adoption agency, we specialize in semi-open adoptions. This means that after the baby is born and the adoption is finalized, we mediate communication between the birth mother and your family through cards, phone calls, personal visits, and more. No matter which type of adoption the birth mother decides on, it is important that you are prepared to respect her choice.

If You are Interested in Adoption in Louisiana, Get Started With St. Elizabeth’s

Once you have cemented your answers to these questions, it is time to begin your application process. If you are interested in learning more about the adoption process or our Louisiana agency, we are here to help! Reach out to us at 225-769-8888, or send us a message with your questions. We look forward to helping you find answers and beginning the adoption process.

4 Challenges Faced During Adoption

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Adoption in New Orleans is a beautiful journey, but there can be hurdles to overcome. From legal and financial obstacles to working through the emotional highs and lows, it is important to enter into your adoption journey anticipating the struggles as well as the successes. St. Elizabeth Foundation is a private Louisiana adoption agency that helps you better understand and navigate every step of the adoption process. Here are the challenges of the adoption process that you can prepare for.

1. Working Through the Adoption Process Itself

As much as we would love for the adoption process to be quick and easy, you should prepare for the possibility of a long, challenging process. As adoptive parents, you must undergo several steps to ensure that you are financially and emotionally qualified to bring a new child into your home. This entails filing a formal application, going through a detailed background check and home study, and following an educational program for adopting families. At St. Elizabeth’s, we require that adopting couples be married for a minimum of five years to qualify. Following your evaluation and education, you then create a family profile book that birth parents will view to choose the right family for their child.

The multi-faceted adoption process can be daunting, but don’t let this steal the joy from your journey. The St. Elizabeth Foundation works hand in hand with both birth mothers and adopting families. We help you understand each part of the adoption process. And, we offer emotional support along the way. No matter the ups or downs, know that you are working towards giving a baby a new, loving home!

2. Acknowledging the Child’s Birth Parents

The adoption process, though beautiful, can stir up a wide range of emotions. Joy and excitement may be accompanied by fear, nervousness, and even insecurity. The latter sensations often sprout from the possible resentment of your new child’s birth parents. You may feel self-conscious about not being your baby’s biological parents. These feelings are natural, but we urge you to take a deep breath and approach your adoption with patience and empathy. 

Be gentle with yourself. Even though you are not the biological parent, this makes you no less of a parent to your baby. And even though their birth mother has chosen the path of adoption, it is important to know her story. Extend kindness, grace, and understanding to her as she goes through her own decisions and struggles. Both accepting and offering compassion to all sides can better prepare you to deliver the same love to your new child.

3. Navigating Legal and Financial Challenges of Adoption in New Orleans

The technicalities of adoption can also extend the process. You should be prepared for adoption fees and ensure that your finances are adequate to support a new addition to your family. This means that you must consider new medical bills, daycare, schooling, groceries, and more. When it comes to legal obstacles, it is essential to fully understand the openness of your adoption. St. Elizabeth Foundation specializes in semi-open adoptions, while open and closed options are available. The birth mother chooses the type of adoption to establish the safest, healthiest option for her and the baby. Be flexible throughout the adoption process, and keep a receptive mind and heart to openness with the birth family.

4. Overcoming Emotional Hurdles

We’ve discussed the emotional ups and downs that can come through communication with the birth mother or parents. But your own parenting journey can affect your feelings, as well. Every set of adopting families comes with its own story. They may have known early on that adoption was at the heart of their household. These parents may already have children of their own and feel overjoyed to bring a new member into their family. Or, a couple may have experienced the heartache of infertility or child loss. 

For those who have gone through this kind of grief, know that adoption is a beautiful, fulfilling endeavor to both grow your household and give love to another child. But, it is important to understand the degrees of emotion that can come with the decision to adopt. You may feel bitterness, anger, and a new surge of grief wrapped in your feelings of happiness and excitement. At St. Elizabeth’s, we make sure that you have access to counseling services and other adoption testimonies. This way, you are surrounded by support to ensure that you are emotionally ready when the time comes to welcome your new child.

Prepare for Adoption in New Orleans With the St. Elizabeth Foundation

Every good thing comes with hard work—and the immense joy of adoption is worth the effort. The staff at St. Elizabeth helps you prepare for the challenges of the adoption process. Our adoption agency works with Louisiana families in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and beyond to connect them with birth mothers and begin the adoption journey. If you are ready to start or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 225-769-8888. Or, get in touch by sending us a message. We look forward to hearing from you!

Searching for an Adoption House in Baton Rouge?

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Are you a mother looking for an adoption house in Baton Rouge for your newborn? Or maybe you and your spouse are interested in beginning the adoption process? St. Elizabeth Foundation has over 30 years of experience building bridges between birth parents and adoptive parents. Let us share more about who we are and how we can help you get started!

How Did St. Elizabeth’s Get Its Start?

The St. Elizabeth Foundation has connected birth mothers and adoptive families for over three decades. It is our passion and mission to provide the most loving care and support during a life-changing adoption experience. In 1988, A. Hays, Jr., and Gay Town founded our establishment. As many know and have experienced, birth mothers involved in an unplanned pregnancy are often met with hardship, unfair stereotyping, and feelings of isolation. The Towns wanted to break this stigma and offer birth mothers a safe and healthy environment as they navigate these unknown waters. We are proud to still have the Towns serve actively on our Board of Directors! 

Since St. Elizabeth’s opened its doors, we have had the joy of helping over 600 infants in the state of Louisiana find loving homes. Aside from our founders, you will find that St. Elizabeth’s staff is made up of patient, caring directors, caseworkers, and social workers. Each member is dedicated to helping birthmothers understand every aspect of the adoption process to find the right solutions for them and their babies. We also guide adopting families through home studies and their requirements for adoption.

Even if you are not looking to adopt, you can support the St. Elizabeth Foundation through donations! Your support helps us to provide the highest quality care and service to mothers and families. These donations go towards medical care, counseling, and public outreach throughout Louisiana. With this monetary support, we are able to educate our state about crisis pregnancies, spread awareness, and offer more mothers the care they deserve. 

What Is Our Adoption Process?

There are two sides to our adoption process: our birthmothers and our adopting families. We know what a huge decision adoption can be, and it is our privilege to help make your journey as smooth as possible. St. Elizabeth’s specializes in semi-open adoptions. This means that we mediate communication between the birth parents and the adoptive family. Open and closed adoptions are also available, and we counsel birthmothers to help determine the right adoption type for them.

For Birthmothers

You have just learned that you are pregnant. If your pregnancy was unplanned, we know that your world can feel as though it’s been turned upside down. Please know that support, guidance, and listening ears are just a phone call away. Your options are not limited, and we are happy to step you through each available possibility. We will help you come to the best decision for you and your baby, but remember: you are in control of the adoption process. Your best interest is our priority!

For Adopting Families

If you are considering adoption, we want to thank and commend you for your decision! Opening your home and hearts to a new child is a beautiful and emotional process. We are here to help you understand the requirements, avoid roadblocks, and cultivate the best environment possible for introducing a new member into your home. We create a safe, empowering environment for our birthmothers to set the parameters for each adoption. This may be closed, semi-closed, or open. We are excited to introduce you to these birthmothers and help take your first steps toward adoption. Get in touch with us today to apply!

St. Elizabeth Foundation: Your Adoption House in Baton Rouge

Are you ready to learn more about our adoption process? We are ready to provide you with the help and answers you need. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message on our website. Whether you are pregnant or looking to adopt, St. Elizabeth Foundation offers a safe adoption house for those in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. We look forward to helping you throughout your adoption journey!

Abortion Alternatives: Find Adoptive Parents in Louisiana

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Pregnancy can be an exciting experience—but this isn’t always the case. When unplanned and unintended, it can have the opposite effect. You may feel scared, confused, and alone. You may not know how to move forward. But not all is lost. St. Elizabeth Foundation gives you a resting place when life feels as though it has been turned upside down. Our Louisiana adoption agency offers you abortion alternatives through adoption. Let us help you determine the right plan of action for you and your baby. 

What Are Your Alternatives For Abortion In Louisiana?

Figuring out the next steps of an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming. While abortion is often seen as the fastest “fix,” there are alternatives available to you. Adoption offers a fresh start for your child in the care of a loving, nurturing home. With an open adoption, you can remain involved in your child’s life even after the adoption process. You can stay in contact with the family and organize visits with your baby. On the other hand, if you decide that a closed adoption is better suited for you and your baby’s needs, your contact with the adoptive family will be minimal or fully confidential. The choice is yours, and St. Elizabeth is here to help you make the choice that is best for you.

Whatever you decide, we know that the process can be wrought with questions. Our counselors at St. Elizabeth’s offer free services to help you understand your choices. We provide a listening ear and compassionate advice so that you can find the answers you need.

Finding Caring Parents Through St. Elizabeth

If you have opted for adoption, choosing the best family for your baby can still be challenging. This can be a vulnerable process as you determine who will give your baby a safe, promising future. At St. Elizabeth, we have helped connect over 600 babies to adoptive parents. View our family profiles of eager, caring parents. Each of our adopting couples is made up of loving fathers and mothers who are ready to introduce a child into their loving home. From beginning to end, you are in control of the adoption process. Choose an open or closed adoption. Handpick the family that you deem right for your baby. Establish your hospital and delivery plan. 

We know that many factors go into this process. St. Elizabeth’s trained counselors are here to provide emotional support and financial guidance. We can help you figure out the healthiest steps for you and your baby. Our birth mothers come first, and we make sure that you know every option available to you. Our caring, judgment-free staff is here to make you feel comfortable, hear your worries and concerns, and walk with you through every step of your adoption journey. 

St. Elizabeth Foundation: Your Free Resource

If you find yourself in an unintended pregnancy, you may not know where to turn. St. Elizabeth Foundation supports you with free resources to help with counseling, medical costs, and connecting you with adoptive parents. We can supply you with abortion alternatives in Louisiana and support you throughout the process. Talk with our experienced counselors. Meet adoptive parents, and choose the right match for your baby. Find continued emotional support after birth and adoption with post-placement counseling. 
At St. Elizabeth, we give you a hand to hold as you navigate these new and uncertain waters. Our trusted, non-profit agency has offered care and solutions for unplanned pregnancy and adoption since 1988. We are ready to help you find adoptive parents for your child. Contact us today at 225-769-8888, or message us online. We are ready to help you make the decision that is right for you.

3 Reasons to Choose Adoption

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If you’ve recently learned that you are pregnant and the pregnancy wasn’t planned, it can be a challenging experience. You may be thinking about your own future as well as the future of your unborn child. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. There are several choices available to you, even if it can seem difficult to decide the best way forward. St. Elizabeth Foundation has helped hundreds of mothers find loving families for their children. So, if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it may be a good idea to consider some of the reasons why adoption could be the best choice. Learn more about the adoption process and discover how St. Elizabeth Foundation continues to help mothers just like you. 

3 Advantages of Choosing Adoption

Again, if you’ve learned that you are pregnant and the pregnancy was unplanned, it can be wise to take some time to weigh your options before deciding what to do next. If you choose adoption through St. Elizabeth Foundation, there are several advantages that can come with it. Learn more about these benefits to see if adoption could be the right choice for you.

Support

One of the biggest and most immediate benefits of choosing an adoption plan with St. Elizabeth Foundation is the invaluable support it can provide for birth mothers. In addition to offering emotional support from caring and experienced counselors, we can also provide monetary assistance with living, medical, and legal costs. So, from the start of your pregnancy to the completion of your adoption plan, we are with you.

Choosing Your Child’s Family

When you choose an adoption plan with St. Elizabeth Foundation, you also have the option to choose your child’s family. Each family is carefully screened to give birth mothers added peace of mind before making a decision. Once a birth mother is ready to begin the process, she can explore individual profiles of families who would like to adopt. These profiles contain important information about each family, including a biography and photographs as well as their plans and hopes for the future. In addition, you can also meet with a family before making your decision to help you feel more secure in your choice. Ultimately, you have the final say when it comes to the family that will raise your child.

Potentially Greater Opportunities

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering adoption, the choice may not be simple. However, if you are concerned with the child’s best interests and would feel better knowing that a loving family is ready to welcome them, it can be a relief. However, it’s also helpful to know that adoption can also be beneficial for the birth mother as well. Instead of giving up on dreams or career goals to care for a child, it’s possible to continue pursuing both. Did you know that women who place a baby for adoption in Louisiana tend to: 

  • Have better-paying jobs.
  • Finish high school more often.
  • Get more job training and education.

So, it’s worth considering the potential positive impact on both yourself and your child when it comes to adoption.

If You’re Struggling With an Unplanned Pregnancy, Explore Adoption

If you aren’t sure what to do next, it could help to speak with a St. Elizabeth Foundation counselor. This conversation is judgment-free and confidential with the goal of helping you find the choice that’s right for you, even if it isn’t adoption. To get in touch with us, call 225-769-8888 or contact us online. When you feel like there’s no one out there who you can talk to, we’re here for you.