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 the New Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit Benefits Adopting Couples

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At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are passionate about providing comprehensive support to both birth mothers and adopting couples in Louisiana. One recent development that brings great hope to adopting couples is the passage of House Bill 443 which introduces the Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit. This groundbreaking legislation aims to make the adoption journey more accessible and financially attainable for prospective parents. Learn more about the details of House Bill 443 and how it empowers adopting couples.

Understanding the Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit

House Bill 443, passed in 2023, introduces the Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit, which seeks to support adopting couples by providing a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses. Under this new legislation, adopting couples can claim a one-time $5,000 tax credit per eligible adoption of children under three years old. This credit can help to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the adoption process. The credit can be applied towards reasonable and necessary expenses related to the adoption, including: 

  • Adoption Fees
  • Court Costs
  • Attorney Fees
  • And more 

This tax credit marks a significant step forward in supporting adopting couples in their journey to becoming parents. It helps ensure that adoption remains an accessible option for building families across the state.

How House Bill 443 Benefits Adopting Couples

The Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit offers several significant benefits to adopting couples, making the adoption journey more accessible. Let’s explore these advantages in detail.

Inclusivity and Support

By offering a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses, House Bill 443 demonstrates the state’s commitment to inclusivity and supporting all families formed through adoption. Signing this bill into law reflects a commitment to enhancing adoption-related services and reducing potential hurdles, like the financial constraints associated with adoption. This comprehensive approach highlights the state’s determination to create a supportive environment for adoption by helping families find the necessary resources to provide loving homes for children in need.

Empowering Adopting Couples

House Bill 443 serves as a powerful incentive for more families to consider adoption as a loving and meaningful way to grow their family. The Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit highlights Louisiana’s mindfulness of how they can help Louisiana families and our communities grow by offering support. By providing financial assistance and recognition, the legislation encourages couples to choose adoption, fostering a greater sense of hope and enthusiasm for building a family. 

St. Elizabeth Foundation Celebrates the Passage of House Bill 443

On July 13th, St. Elizabeth Foundation joined Representative Rick Edmonds, the Louisiana Right to Life, and other supportive groups at the state capital to celebrate the passage of House Bill 443. This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in making adoption more accessible and affordable for adopting couples in Louisiana. 

Supporters of all stages of adoption came out to celebrate at the state capitol. The group ranged from birth mothers who had chosen adoption and adopting families to children whose lives were changed through their adoption. Sarah Zagorski says that adoption gives children the stability they need to thrive:

“The permanence adoption provides children is what saves children their futures. It gives them their futures back. It saves them from addiction, relationship issues, and many problems that I saw in my biological family.”

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we are proud to be part of this transformative journey. And, we commend the efforts of all those involved in championing this crucial legislation.

Learn How the Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit Can Benefit Your Adoption Through St. Elizabeth Foundation

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we celebrate this landmark legislation and the positive impact it will have on making adoption more obtainable and approachable for families across Louisiana. Are you an adopting couple ready to embrace the joys of parenthood through adoption? We encourage you to take advantage of the new Louisiana Adoption Tax Credit. To learn more about how St. Elizabeth Foundation can help you with adoption, call 225-769-8888 or send us a message. Our team is here to guide and support you throughout the adoption process. We are dedicated to offering compassionate care and professional assistance every step of the way.

Why Two-Parent Households Are Important for Adoption in New Orleans

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Every child deserves a happy, healthy home environment. This is true for families formed through adoption, as well. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we make sure that each of our adopting families can fulfill the roles of a loving mother and father. But what are the benefits of a two-parent household, and how is this important for adoption in New Orleans? Our adoption agency believes in the power of a stable family unit and strives to build families based on these foundational values. From emotional development to financial support, a two-parent household can make a major impact on the life of an adopted child.

Two-Parent Households Can Have Two Channels of Income

Financial hurdles are inevitable when adopting a child. From funding your adoption in New Orleans to saving for expenses after placement, financial stability is of great importance to the health of your family. However, remaining financially secure can be a challenge in single-parent homes. But, the support of a second parent in the family unit can remove a large amount of stress from family finances. This also allows the adopted child to have greater opportunities for schooling, extracurricular activities, and healthcare access. 

Having Two Parents Can Promote a Child’s Behavioral & Academic Education

Carrying out your adoption in New Orleans can give your child a better chance at future success and security. A brief by the Institute for Family Studies found that 21% of young black men completed college when coming from two-parent homes as compared to the 12% success rate of single-parent households. This study also showed that these children were less likely to spend time in jail.

With the example of two strong and driven parents, adopted children are more likely to abstain from crime and focus on their education. Not only are two-parent families more likely to afford undergraduate and college education for their children. But they also provide a more stable household for behavioral development. This structure can greatly impact a child’s social interactions. And it can even decrease their chances of incarceration, using drugs, and engaging in risky behavior.

A Mother and Father Provide Essential Support

Gender roles are an important part of a child’s development. The presence of both male and female examples helps children to develop essential emotional and behavioral standards. From the nurturing care of a mother to the firmness and protection of a father, each parenting role is crucial. Parental relationships teach children how to treat others, respect authority, and develop goals for their future. A mother and father unit can cultivate a safe, stable home environment for children to grow and thrive. And, these children have access to double the love and affection that they would find in a single-parent home.

Start Your Adoption Journey in New Orleans Today

St. Elizabeth Foundation specializes in newborn adoptions in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and throughout the state of Louisiana. We connect birth mothers to two-parent adopting families so that the baby can grow up in a household with both a mother and father. Whether you are a mother placing your baby for adoption or a couple beginning your adoption journey, St. Elizabeth Foundation can help you through each step of the process. Speak with a member of our team by calling 225-769-8888 or sending us a message. We can help you understand your options for adoption!