How a Local Adoption Agency Supports Birth Mothers

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Deciding to place a baby for adoption is an act of profound love and courage. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand this choice’s emotional and social weight. Our local adoption agency aims to support Lake Charles birth mothers through every step of their adoption journey, providing a network of care, understanding, and respect. Explore how we help birth mothers. 

Empowerment Through Choice

St. Elizabeth Foundation stands out as a compassionate guide in the adoption process. We firmly believe that you’re in control. From choosing the adoptive family to deciding the type of adoption and the birth plan, you are the decision-maker during the adoption process. This empowering approach ensures you feel confident and content with your decision, contributing positively to your mental and emotional well-being.

A Path to a Stronger Future

Our support continues after the adoption process. St. Elizabeth Foundation aims to help birth mothers build a brighter future. In fact, we’ve witnessed countless women who, after placing their baby for adoption, have achieved significant personal growth. They advance their careers, complete their education, and gain more job training. This positive outcome is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who choose adoption.

Beyond Financial Aid

For birth mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy, we offer comprehensive assistance that covers living, medical, legal, and counseling costs. Our support is tailored to ensure that you do not feel alone at any point. From the first conversation to counseling services and support groups, we’re here not just as an agency but as a family you can count on.

Our Local Adoption Agency’s Success Stories That Inspire

One touching testimonial comes from a mother who placed her son for adoption 13 years ago with our local adoption agency. She reflects on the unwavering support from St. Elizabeth Foundation, highlighting that it extended far beyond the adoption itself. In fact, she still receives support 13 years later. This enduring connection and continual support have helped her face life with confidence and gratitude.

Before connecting with St. Elizabeth Foundation, she was feeling the confusion and uncertainty a birth mother often feels, which was quickly alleviated after speaking with a counselor from our team. Feeling immediate warmth and acceptance, she knew she was making the right decision — a belief that had only grown stronger over time.

A Community That Cares

At the core of St. Elizabeth’s philosophy is the principle of creating a loving family for every child and a supportive community for every birth mother. The adoptive families working with us are thoroughly assessed to ensure they can provide a loving home and a future filled with opportunities for your child. We specialize in semi-open adoptions but are flexible to organize meetings with birth parents, ensuring open communication lines that are comfortable for everyone involved.

Choosing our local adoption agency near Lake Charles means joining a compassionate community dedicated to creating positive outcomes for all — especially for you, the birth mother. With us, you’ll find a team that’s easygoing, honest, and always available when you need us.

Having a local adoption agency by your side can make all the difference in a world filled with challenging decisions. If you’re considering adoption, know that the St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to support, inform, and guide you toward a future filled with hope and possibilities.

Have Questions? Our Team Is Here to Help.

For more information, contact us at St. Elizabeth Foundation. Your story is important, and we’re here to listen. Call 225-769-8888 now or message us online to learn how we can support your adoption decision and help you prepare for a bright future.

3 Benefits of Working With a Local Adoption Agency

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Choosing an adoption agency is similar to laying the foundation of a home. It is essential for the support and structure that follows. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand the depth of this choice. And as a local adoption agency near Monroe, we are committed to guiding you with expertise and care every step of the way. Explore the benefits of partnering with a local agency like ours and how we care for birth mothers and adopting families on their journey.

1. Local Agencies Have In-depth Knowledge of Local Laws and Processes

Understanding the intricacies of Louisiana’s adoption laws can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simpler for you. By choosing a local agency, you gain:

Local agencies have the specific knowledge needed to turn any confusion regarding the adoption process into a clear path forward.

“Thank you [St. Elizabeth Foundation] for truly guiding us through this somewhat stressful process but making it the least stressful as possible.”

Tiffany, an adoptive mother

2. Local Agencies Help You Find Supportive Communities

Our local adoption agency doesn’t just provide emotional and financial aid. We help you find care and support within your personal community. Here are a few ways we extend our care:

  • We help birth mothers learn ways to share their adoption plans with their friends and families.
  • With helpful tips, we educate the families of adoptive parents on ways to support their adoption.
  • We empower birth mothers to share their experiences with others, from speaking with our counselors to visiting local support groups.

Whether you have a few loved ones behind you or a village of care, St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to provide support throughout your adoption journey.

3. Local Agencies Offer Personalized Support That Continues After Adoption

Adjusting to new roles as parents or navigating life after placing your baby for adoption can be challenging, but St. Elizabeth Foundation ensures you have the support you need, including:

  • Tailored guidance throughout each unique adoption scenario.
  • Assistance for birth mothers in developing a birth plan.
  • Counseling services before and well after the adoption takes place.
  • A commitment to standing by you, rain or shine, in your adoption journey.

Every mother’s and family’s story is special. Our local adoption agency is dedicated to providing support that speaks directly to your experiences and needs.

“[St. Elizabeth’s Foundation] supported me from day one, from therapies and everybody being involved and engaged and really taking account of what I felt, what I was feeling, what I wanted. From the moment I walked into the door, I was a part of the family.”

Ashley, a birth mother

Start Your Journey With Our Local Adoption Agency Today

The relationship formed with an adoption agency doesn’t end when the adoption is finalized. It is a lifelong bond. If you’re considering adoption in Monroe or even from afar, our local Louisiana agency is here to help. When you’re ready, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation at 225-769-8888 or send us a message through our contact form. Let us answer your questions and help guide you through the adoption process.

How a Local Adoption Agency Puts Monroe Birth Mothers First

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When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, the path ahead may seem uncertain. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand the challenges and emotions that birth mothers can experience. Our local Louisiana adoption agency helps birth mothers in Monroe and beyond determine the right plan for their adoption. We are committed to providing support and care on your journey and making sure your voice is heard. Discover how St. Elizabeth Foundation prioritizes the needs of birth mothers and empowers them to make decisions they are comfortable with.

We Provide a Judgement-Free Space to Plan Your Adoption

After recognizing the stigma birth mothers face and the negative perception around adoption in Louisiana communities, our founders Hays and Gay Town embarked on a mission in 1988. They took the first steps to raise awareness and transform this outlook. Their vision was simple yet impactful—to create a safe and compassionate space where birth mothers could explore their options and find stability after adoption. And since then, St. Elizabeth Foundation has facilitated the adoption of hundreds of babies while providing the utmost care to birth mothers, honoring their journey with compassion and support.

The staff at St. Elizabeth Foundation recognizes the fear, stress, and conflicting emotions that can accompany an unplanned pregnancy. In addition to facilitating adoptions, our local adoption agency provides a nonjudgmental environment. This provides a place where birth mothers can freely express their feelings, concerns, and hopes for the future. Our team consists of experienced professionals who offer counseling services, ensuring that birth mothers have the emotional support they need throughout their adoption journey.

We Offer Free Resources for Birth Mothers

Financial constraints should never stand in the way of birth mothers receiving the support they deserve. That is why St. Elizabeth Foundation offers a comprehensive range of resources in hopes of alleviating the financial burden of unplanned pregnancies. 

Through our local adoption agency, we cover a variety of expenses. This includes prenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, and additional out-of-pocket costs that aren’t covered by Medicaid or private insurance. Our goal is to empower birth mothers to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies without the added stress of financial instability.

We Support Birth Mothers in Every Decision

Our local adoption agency near Monroe firmly believes that birth mothers should have control over every decision regarding their adoption plan. We respect and value their independence, and our role is to support and guide them throughout the process. Birth mothers can choose the adoptive family for their child based on their own preferences and desires. We work closely with birth mothers to ensure they are comfortable with their choices while providing comprehensive information about potential adoptive families.

In addition, St. Elizabeth Foundation supports birth mothers in deciding the level of openness they desire in their adoption plan. We recognize that each birth mother’s needs and circumstances are unique. Through counseling and planning, we help mothers decide on an adoption style they prefer, whether closed, semi-open, or open. We respect their choices and work diligently to facilitate the type of adoption relationship they are most comfortable with. 

Kristin Aucoin, a licensed clinical social worker at our local adoption agency, says that by putting birth mothers first, they can have confidence that they are making the right choices for their babies:

“We run our program around our birth mothers, and we want them to be as comfortable as possible and tell us what they want and how they want things to go. It’s all about them—and we want them to be the most comfortable and feel comfortable about their decision.”

Work With a Local Adoption Agency Near Monroe That Puts Your Needs First

St. Elizabeth Foundation is more than just a local adoption agency near Monroe, LA. We are a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about supporting and caring for birth mothers throughout their adoption journeys. By offering free resources, counseling services, and support for birth mothers to make their own choices, we nurture an environment that puts them first. 

If you are a birth mother in Louisiana seeking guidance and support for making an adoption plan, St. Elizabeth Foundation is here for you. Our local adoption agency is dedicated to providing the care, resources, and empowerment you need during this challenging time. We understand that placing your baby for adoption is a deeply personal decision, and we are committed to ensuring that you are in control every step of the way. Send us a message or call 225-769-8888 to speak with one of our caring professionals and take the first step towards a brighter future for you and your baby.

Choosing the Right Adoption Agency Near Lafayette: What to Look For

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St. Elizabeth Foundation is a haven for birth mothers and adoptive parents alike. Are you a birth mother searching for placement for an unplanned pregnancy? Or are you a married couple who wants to expand your family through adoption? You want to find an adoption agency that you can trust to help meet your needs with kindness and compassion. But when you are searching for an agency to help with your placement or adoption journey, how do you make the right decision? For mothers or adopting couples researching adoption agencies near Lafayette, these tips can help you find the right agency for you.

For Birth Mothers

Placing your baby for adoption can be an emotionally-charged process. You want to ensure that an agency will respect your wishes and offer the right solutions for you and your baby. If you are searching for an adoption agency near Lafayette for your placement, these questions can help during your search.

Research the Type of Adoption You Want to Have

After placing your baby for adoption, how much contact do you want to maintain with your baby, if any at all? This question can help you determine the right type of adoption for your placement. Through St. Elizabeth Foundation, birth mothers can choose from three types of adoption:

  • Open Adoption: Birth mothers maintain ongoing communication with the adoptive family.
  • Semi-Open Adoption: Birth mothers maintain some level of contact with the adoptive family.
  • Closed Adoption: There is no direct communication between the birth mother and adoptive family. The birth mother’s identity is kept confidential.

Coming to the right conclusion for your adoption can feel overwhelming. Our professional adoption counselors help you understand each type of adoption. We are dedicated to alleviating your stress and helping you make the most informed decision.

Discuss What Support the Agency Can Offer You

Adoption agencies often offer birth mothers a wide range of support during the adoption process. Ask what options are available for you when consulting with an agency. 

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help birth mothers as much as possible throughout their placement. We provide pre-placement counseling services to help mothers understand their adoption options and to develop their birth plans. We can also offer financial assistance to help with costs such as housing, transportation, and living expenses. And after their adoption is complete, we remain present for ongoing support, including post-placement counseling.

For Adopting Couples

Welcoming a baby into your home through adoption can be a joyous occasion. But finding a trustworthy agency to facilitate your adoption requires research. Here are a few pointers to help you start your adoption process. 

Ask Questions!

Adopting parents should come prepared with a list of questions when speaking with adoption agencies. This can help you learn more about the agency and set expectations for your adoption journey. Keep these questions in mind:

  • How does the agency screen adoptive families? What are their requirements for prospective adoptive parents?
  • What is the cost of the adoption process, and what services are included in the fee? Are there additional expenses that adopting couples should be aware of?
  • What is the success rate of the agency’s adoptions? How many adoptions have they facilitated?
  • Can the agency provide references from other adoptive families who have used their services?
  • What support does the agency provide pre- and post-adoption, such as counseling and support groups?

No matter your questions, St. Elizabeth Foundation is ready to help you find the answers you need to move forward with confidence. 

Read Reviews & Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials from other adoptive families can be valuable resources for prospective adopting couples. They can give a sense of an agency’s reputation, including their professionalism, ethical standards, and overall track record. You can also learn the level of emotional support and guidance that the agency can provide. 

It’s important to investigate the satisfaction of families who have used the agency’s services during and after the placement. These personal stories can help a couple determine if the agency in question is the right choice for their adoption.

For an Adoption Agency Near Lafayette, Reach Out Today

If you are searching for an adoption agency near Lafayette, reach out to St. Elizabeth Foundation. Our Baton Rouge adoption agency works with birth mothers and adopting families in Louisiana and nationwide. During every step of the process, we make sure that the voice of the birth mother is heard and valued. We specialize in all forms of adoption and help mothers determine the right path for their placement. Then, we work with adopting families to develop adoption-ready homes and build successful placements.

Do you have questions about our agency, placing a baby for adoption, or how to begin the adoption process? We would love to speak with you. Send us a message online or give us a call at 225-769-8888. For more than 30 years, we have been a respected authority on adoption in Louisiana. Let us deliver care and support that you can trust.

8 Helpful Tips for Parents Looking to Adopt

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Finalizing your adoption and bringing home your new baby is a beautiful, exciting process! Whether you are first-time parents or already have children, this experience can come with adventures as well as challenges. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are dedicated to guiding you through your adoption and helping you settle after your placement. Here are eight tips for parents looking to adopt that may help you during and after adoption near Lake Charles.

1. Have Patience With the Process

The adoption process can take time. Once you have applied for adoption, you will need to work through counseling, a home study, and pre-placement education. In some cases, this process can take six months to over a year to complete. Be patient during this process! The wait is worth the outcome. And, this can be the perfect time to reach out to your support system, decorate your baby’s room, and prepare yourself emotionally for their arrival. 

2. Find Your Support System

Parents looking to adopt near Lake Charles should make sure to have an encouraging support system in place. These friends, family members, employers, and counselors will be the ones you lean on most as you navigate the ups and downs of the adoption process. 

This system may be responsible for childcare or meal delivery when the time comes to bring your baby home. Discussing the details with an employer can also help to alleviate stress when it comes to taking time off work as your baby adjusts to their new home. And never forget the value of speaking with a counselor throughout your entire journey. They can guide you through the process of choosing adoption, undergoing a home study, and becoming parents to a new baby.

3. Learn From Other Adopting Families

The stories of adoptive parents are invaluable resources for you during your adoption journey. Learning from their challenges can help you prepare for tough days in your own process. And seeing their success and joy can encourage you as you prepare to bring your baby home. The bonds and friendships formed with others who are empathetic to your journey may last even after your adoption process is complete.

4. Prepare for Your Baby in Advance

Besides having your nursery set up for your baby’s arrival, make sure to have other important details in place before the baby is born. This includes preparing freezer meals for your family or arranging meal deliveries from friends and loved ones. And don’t forget to arrange childcare for your children, if needed. 

Parents looking to adopt should consider contacting local medical insurance and pediatric clinics in Lake Charles at least two weeks before the baby’s birth. If possible, set up your first medical visits in advance. With these details squared away, you can focus wholeheartedly on welcoming your baby into your home when the time comes.

5. Be Ready for an Adjustment Period

Bringing your baby into your home is a beautiful experience. But remember that you, your family, and your baby must all work through this adjustment together! With a new baby, you will have to become accustomed to their sleeping and feeding schedule. If you already have children, it may also take time for them to get used to having a new sibling in the house. Treat this adjustment period with care, and ask for help when you need it.

6. Be Ready to Develop a Relationship With Your Baby’s Birth Mother

If you complete an open adoption, this means that you will have organized calls, messages, or meetups with your baby’s birth mother or parents. Stay flexible during this process. Developing a healthy and open relationship requires care, patience, and openness. Do your best to maintain consistent communication and extend encouragement and support to your baby’s mother in the process. Your team at St. Elizabeth Foundation is also here to help as you navigate your open adoption!

7. Bond With Your Baby

One of the first and most important steps after bringing your baby home is to establish bonding time. Essential bonding practices include touch, eye contact, and speaking softly to your baby. During these interactions, your baby will become accustomed to your touch, the sound of your voice, and your facial expressions. Feeding, bathtime, and other tender acts of infant care help your baby feel safe, secure, and loved. And this extra time to love on your baby is equally wonderful for the parents.

8. Be Gentle With Yourself

It is easy for parents looking to adopt to forget how much stress, change, and emotional stimulation they can go through during the adoption process. Even with the support of your spouse, you can still both become tired and stressed as you adjust to living with a new baby. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself, too. Without essential personal care, you won’t be able to give your baby the love and care they need. Reach out to a friend or family member to take care of your baby while you take time to bathe, rest, or unwind.

Parents Looking to Adopt Near Lake Charles Can Begin Their Adoption Journey With St. Elizabeth Foundation

St. Elizabeth Foundation has worked with countless parents to help them begin their adoption journey. Parents looking to adopt who have questions about our process or who are ready to submit their application can reach out to us! Call 225-769-8888 or send us a message. Our helpful team can step through the requirements for qualification, counseling, and what must be completed on your road to adoption. We look forward to supporting you through all stages: before, during, and after adoption.

Open Vs. Closed Adoption Agency: What’s the Difference?

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If you are a birth mother deciding on your adoption plan, you have many choices available to you. One of these important decisions determines how much contact to keep with your baby after adoption, if any at all. Which should you choose: an open or closed adoption agency? While this is a big decision, don’t let it overwhelm you! Learn how St. Elizabeth Foundation can help facilitate your adoption process and help you better understand the differences between open and closed adoptions.

How an Open and Closed Adoption Agency Differ

The major difference between an open and closed adoption agency is how private the adoption process is. Mothers who opt for a closed adoption remain fully confidential. They do not meet their baby’s adoptive family or maintain contact during or after adoption. In an open or even semi-open adoption, the birth mother maintains communication with her baby and the birth family after placement.

Depending on the circumstances of the adoption, a closed adoption may be a safe choice for your baby. After the adoption is completed, a closed adoption agency ensures that the baby and birth mother will not be identified or connected. Positive impacts of closed adoption include safe boundaries for the baby and full anonymity for the birth mother. However, closed adoptions can have negative impacts on your baby, including feelings of loss, low self-esteem, and a lack of identity. 

Through open adoption, birth mothers can maintain a connection with their babies as they grow up. With both their birth mother and adoptive family, these children have access to a wider support system. And, they can better understand their family history and genetic health. With a greater feeling of belonging, these children often have better senses of self and more positive mental health outcomes.

Which Type of Adoption Is Right for You?

As a birth mother placing your baby for adoption, it is important to ask these questions when determining which type of adoption is right for you.

  • Do my circumstances allow me to visit my child after the adoption?
  • How much communication am I willing to have with the adoptive parents?
  • Do I want to keep my adoption anonymous?
  • What kind of adoption has my baby’s best interests in mind?

When thinking through the answers to these questions, consider whether you want to have open communication with your baby after the completed adoption. If the answer is no, a closed adoption may be your best choice. But if you are interested in staying in touch with your child, an open or even semi-open adoption may be right for you.

A closed adoption agency can help birth mothers complete the adoption process while maintaining full privacy. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in open adoptions as well as in the facilitation of closed adoptions. We help birth mothers develop a birth plan and connect them to adopting families nationwide. Throughout the process, we provide counseling, financial support, and emotional care as they prepare for birth and adoption.

If you opted for open or semi-open adoption, our experts help to facilitate your post-placement terms. This includes scheduling meetings, mediating conversations, and helping birth mothers and adoptive parents get the most out of their visits.

Partner With Our Adoption Agency

Are you deciding between an open or closed adoption agency? St. Elizabeth Foundation would love to support you on your journey by sharing more about our adoption process. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption, we can help you determine your best birth and adoption plan. And, we also offer counseling services before and after placement. 

Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message to see how we can provide help during an unplanned pregnancy. From start to finish, we are here to encourage and empower you to make the decisions you want. Reach out to us today to learn more.

3 Reasons to Work With a Local Adoption Agency Near New Orleans

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There are many choices to consider throughout your adoption process. Will you adopt internationally or within the states? And do you want to work with a national agency or a local agency? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help connect families throughout Louisiana with local adoptions in your home state. By choosing a local adoption agency, you can find invaluable support close to home from our caring staff and other local adopting families. Learn just three of the benefits you can discover by working with a local adoption agency near New Orleans.

1. A Local Adoption Agency Walks with You Through the Entire Process

As you start your adoption journey, the rules, requirements, and complexities of the process may seem insurmountable. This is why partnering with experts in local adoption can help alleviate a large amount of your stress! At St. Elizabeth, we are dedicated to taking a hands-on approach to adoption. For birth mothers, we make sure they understand all available options and help them settle on the right decision. And for adopting families, we help navigate through paperwork, home studies, making online profiles, and any meetings with the birth mother or parents. 

Our agency is passionate about showing love to all involved in the adoption process. And we make sure that you receive the support and guidance you need to see you through to the end of your adoption. If you are searching for a local adoption agency near New Orleans, we would love to speak to you about our process!

2. In an Open Adoption, You May Get to Meet the Birth Mother In-Person and Be Present for the Birth

In an open adoption, adoptive families and their new child can stay in touch with the birth mother or family after finalizing the adoption process. And by choosing a local adoption agency, adopting families in New Orleans likely be located near the birth family. This can be beneficial for pre-placement conversations and staying connected after the child is born. If agreed upon by the birth mother, you may even have the opportunity to be present for the birth, or you may be present to meet your child at the hospital. And with the assistance of St. Elizabeth Foundation, we can help bridge communication between your family and the birth parents at all stages of your adoption.

3. Adopting Parents Can Connect with Other Adopting Families in the Area

There are over two million couples seeking adoption in the United States. For parents eagerly awaiting the completion of their adoption process, it is vital to have a strong support network surrounding them. Through our local adoption agency, couples can connect with other adopting families near New Orleans at various stages of their adoption process! Learn from their experiences, gain insight into hardships, and develop connections with others who can empathize with your journey. These bonds can help you thrive during both the successes and the challenges of your adoption. And, you can become an encouragement to others in the process.

Choose a Local Adoption Agency Near New Orleans

For those looking for a local adoption agency near New Orleans, choose an agency that can support you from start to finish. Whether you are an adoptive couple or a birth mother, our team is ready to help you learn your next steps. Give us a call at 225-769-8888. Or, send us a message for more information. We look forward to providing you with professional support with a personal touch.