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.

Is a Closed Adoption Agency the Right Choice for Me?

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There are many important decisions to make when placing a baby for adoption, and one of the first is to determine the openness of your adoption. Should you partner with a closed adoption agency or one that offers open adoptions as well? While closed adoptions were once the only option, there are many more choices available to expectant mothers today. How do you know if a closed adoption agency is the right choice for you? Know the advantages and disadvantages of closed adoption agencies so that you can make the best decision for your unique situation. 

The Pros & Cons of a Closed Adoption Agency

Choosing a confidential adoption or working with a closed adoption agency allows birth mothers to maintain their privacy throughout the entire adoption process. The identities of the birth mother and adoptive family are not disclosed to each other. Mothers can determine the birth and adoption plan that is best for them. Once the adoption is complete, they will not maintain contact with their baby or the adoptive family. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we communicate all details to the involved parties while upholding the birth mother’s wishes for confidentiality.

While closed adoptions may be the right choice for some birth mothers, they can be emotionally challenging. Some mothers struggle with feelings of loss and grief after placing a baby for adoption. They may also feel a sense of guilt or remorse about their decision to close off contact with their child, which can be difficult to cope with. While not all mothers experience these emotional challenges, our team at St. Elizabeth Foundation provides counseling to discuss the potential difficulties of closed adoption.

Before settling on a closed adoption, it is important to know all options available to make the most informed decision. In addition to closed adoption, birth mothers have two other adoption channels that they may pursue.

Semi-Open Adoption

Semi-open adoption, also known as mediated adoption, involves some level of communication between the birth mother and the adoptive family. However, this is not to the same extent as in an open adoption. In a semi-open adoption, birth mothers have the option of whether or not to disclose their identity to the adoptive family. All communication is facilitated through a third party, such as an adoption agency or an attorney.

In a semi-open adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family may exchange identifying or non-identifying information. This can include letters and photos sent through the third party. They may also have the opportunity to meet in person, typically with the third party present.

Semi-open adoption can offer some of the benefits of both open and closed adoption. It allows the birth mother and adoptive family to maintain some level of privacy and confidentiality, while also allowing for some limited post-adoption communication. This can be a good option for mothers who want some contact with their baby and the adoptive family but who do not want a fully open adoption.

Open Adoption

Open adoptions maintain some level of ongoing contact and communication between the birth mother and adoptive family. In an open adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family exchange their names and contact information. They may also maintain ongoing contact through phone calls, emails, letters, and in-person visits.

Open adoptions can take many forms, and the level of contact and communication can vary widely. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we help birth mothers settle on and facilitate the open adoption arrangement they deem best.

Open adoption can offer many benefits, including the opportunity for the baby to learn more about their birth family and their family history. This also allows the mother to stay connected with her child and be involved in their life to some extent. It can also help to foster a sense of openness and transparency in the adoption process. While open adoptions come with their own challenges, our adoption experts help to navigate all ups and downs through counseling and personalized care.

Partner With an Agency That Understands All Forms of Adoption

Are you unsure if a closed adoption agency or open adoption agency is right for you? At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we specialize in open, closed, and semi-open adoptions. We empower all birth mothers to find the adoption plan that is right for them and their babies. Let us connect you with adopting families while maintaining your specified level of openness.

If you are searching for the right agency to help facilitate your adoption, St. Elizabeth Foundation would love to share more with you about our adoption process. Give us a call at 225-769-8888 or send us a message. We would love to help you find the adoption plan that meets your needs.

How to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Louisiana

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Are you pregnant and considering adoption? With the help of a caring adoption agency, you can find the best placement options for your baby. These experts can walk you through each decision, offer counseling services, and support you before and after the birth. And once you’ve determined that adoption is the best choice for you, it’s time to find the right agency to help with placement. If you need assistance to place your baby for adoption in Louisiana, here are five ways that St. Elizabeth Foundation can assist.

1. Choose the Right Adoption Agency for Your Baby

The first step of the adoption process is to find an adoption agency. If you want to place your baby for adoption in Louisiana, let St. Elizabeth Foundation be your hub for support. Our adoption agency, founded in 1988, was established to connect women grappling with unplanned pregnancies with a safe haven. From helping expectant mothers begin the adoption process to finding emotional aid through pre and post-placement counseling, we make sure that each mother knows she isn’t alone in her adoption process. 

If you are searching for an adoption agency dedicated to helping you find solutions for an unexpected pregnancy, we would love to talk with you. We empower you to make the best possible decision for you and your baby. And with our guidance, we can connect you to the tools you need to move forward.

2. Determine Your Adoption & Birth Plans

The adoption agency you choose can help you establish your adoption and birth plans. Through St. Elizabeth Foundation, we make sure that you have power over every decision. These include the openness of the adoption, the adoptive family, and which hospital you would want to give birth in. Do you want the adoptive family present for the birth? Do you want to spend time with your baby after giving birth? Or would you rather have our adoption agency intervene? These are all questions to consider and discuss with our counselors. But remember—every decision is yours to make.

3. Browse & Choose Adoptive Family

St. Elizabeth Foundation makes it simple to find adoptive parents for your baby. And when you choose to place your baby for adoption through our Louisiana agency, you gain access to our long list of adopting families. Find families in-state or around the country who are excited to introduce a new baby to their home. Read their profiles, get to know their faces, and then determine which family you deem to be the best fit for your child. You then have the option to correspond with these parents or leave the communication to us if you prefer little to no contact.

4. Find Support Through Post-Placement Counseling

Once your adoption has been completed and your baby has been placed with the adoptive parents, the journey doesn’t end. Our caregivers at St. Elizabeth understand the variety of emotions that come with your pregnancy, birth, and adoption decisions. Even after finalizing the adoption, you may find yourself dealing with complex feelings. This is why we offer post-placement counseling to help you work through the ups and downs as they come. Understand that our adoption agency is dedicated to delivering care, respect, and compassion before, during, and after your adoption.

5. Keep Up With the Adoptive Family (In an Open or Semi-Open Adoption)

If you choose an open or semi-open adoption, this requires some level of communication with the baby and adoptive family. But after you place your baby for adoption, our Louisiana agency can help facilitate communication through phone calls, in-person visits, and letters. From texting to keeping up on social media, you can check in with your baby wherever you are. This, of course, depends on the adoption plan you opt for. If you choose to have a closed adoption, no further correspondence is required with the family.

Looking to Place Your Baby for Adoption in Louisiana? Let St. Elizabeth Foundation Help.

Choosing to place your baby for adoption in Louisiana is not an easy decision. Our team at St. Elizabeth Foundation knows the challenges and struggles you face, and we are ready to provide support along the way. Adoption is a brave and loving choice, and make sure that you have caregivers and counselors available to guide you throughout the journey. If you are ready to learn more about our adoption process, send us a message or call us at 225-769-8888.

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!

Louisiana & Roe v. Wade: The Far-Reaching Impact

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In 1973, the ruling of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court legalized abortion across the United States. But, in mid-2021 after nearly half a century, this ruling is being challenged. Now that the Supreme Court is revisiting this ruling, the legal rights to protect fetal life are becoming more and more possible. This year, we anticipate a new decision regarding Roe v. Wade. Should this case be overturned, 26 states, including Louisiana, are likely to ban or restrict abortions in the state. How will the post-Roe v. Wade ruling affect the state of Louisiana? What are Louisiana abortion trigger laws? And how could this affect adoption in Louisiana?

First, Let’s Recap the Court Ruling

In 1971, a woman under the pseudonym of Jane Roe opened a class action lawsuit in Texas against district attorney Henry Wade. As a young, single pregnant woman, Roe challenged state laws that prohibited abortion unless approved for medical, life-saving purposes. This attack on the laws was also supported by the Doe family who argued that the Texas abortion laws failed to take women’s medical health or preparedness for parenthood into account. While the Does’ complaint was ruled nonjusticiable, Roe moved forward with a case to sue, stating that these laws were unconstitutional.

In opposition, the court challenged that legalizing abortion in the state was in direct disagreement with the Hippocratic Oath, claiming that prescribing an abortion was equivalent to prescribing deadly medicine. The defense also noted the English statutory law and the Infant Life Preservation Act of 1929. Specifically, 19 & 20 Geo. 5, c. 34 of this act stated that the termination of life capable of being born alive was a willful and intentional offense. Additionally, it was argued that the current laws inhibiting access to abortions not only protected the sanctity of life but the rights of the unborn child, as well.

In 1973, the case of Roe v. Wade concluded, and abortion was legalized with less government restriction than before.

Roe v. Wade: The Aftermath

Since this ruling, many acts and amendments have been passed both in support and opposition to the Roe v. Wade ruling. For instance, in 1992 Planned Parenthood challenged Governor Robert Casey on his abortion statute requiring a woman to provide informed consent from her husband or legal guardians. The Court ruling of Planned Parenthood v. Casey reaffirmed Roe v. Wade, expressing that laws should not pose an “undue burden” against women’s right to abortion.  

But in May of 2021, Texas lawmakers passed legislation reintroducing criminal penalties for abortion under certain circumstances. The Texas Heartbeat Act, which was enacted with the passage of Senate Bill 8, prohibits abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat as early as six weeks after conception. Additionally, it also allows legal action to be taken against abortion providers who violate this law. 

Though legal attempts were made to block this abortion ban, these attempts ended in September 2021. This legal act, along with the Dobbs v. Jackson case in Mississippi to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, has begun the conversation of overturning or weakening the Roe v. Wade ruling.

On Monday, May 2, 2022, groundbreaking information concerning the future of abortion legality in the United States was leaked from the Supreme Court. A draft opinion written by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was released stating that the court holds that both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey must be overturned.

Now, we await the final ruling on whether or not the laws put in place by Roe v. Wade will be reversed. As a leading source for adoption in Louisiana, St. Elizabeth Foundation understands the importance of this decision and wants to help you understand the impact of state trigger laws and how this could affect adoption in our state.

Understanding Louisiana Abortion Trigger Laws

“Trigger laws” are laws that are made immediately enforceable once a separate law is passed or overturned. Post-Roe v. Wade, several states, including Louisiana, have put laws in place to “trigger” as soon as the ruling is reversed. For Louisiana in particular, these trigger laws include bans, near-total bans, six-week bans, and legislation barring the protection of abortion. Let’s break these down further:

  • Trigger bans on abortion take effect as soon as Roe v. Wade is dissolved.
  • Near-total bans prohibit abortion with limited exceptions depending on the circumstances.
  • Six-week bans prohibit abortions later than six weeks of pregnancy.
  • State constitution bars protection asserts that the Louisiana Constitution be amended to block abortion rights.

Currently, abortion is legal in Louisiana throughout the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, if Roe v. Wade is not overturned, abortion will remain accessible to the general public or teens with legal permission from their parent or legal guardian. But, in the case of a reversed ruling, these Louisiana abortion trigger laws are prepared for immediate effect.

How Roe v. Wade Affects Louisiana Adoption

It’s no surprise that legalized abortion has greatly impacted adoption in our country. Access to abortion has reduced adoption rates nationwide. States with abortion bans lifted by Roe v. Wade saw a significant 34 to 37% decrease. It has negatively impacted many others, including families seeking adoption. 

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, the abortion rate would fall by an estimated 34.3% in Louisiana alone. For this reason, we will likely see an increase in numbers within adoption agencies. St. Elizabeth Foundation understands the responsibility of caring for these expectant mothers and their children by helping to connect the children with loving, lasting homes. 

By prohibiting access to abortions, many children will be able to receive opportunities for life, love, education, and more that would have not been an option otherwise. At the same time, potential parents who are struggling with infertility or simply wish to expand their family through adoption can connect with these children through the safe environment our adoption agency has created. 

In some circumstances, mothers who carry their children to term decide to parent them. However, if birth mothers choose openness in adoption, they have the chance to watch their child grow and thrive without sacrificing the goals they have for their own future.

Abortion Alternatives at St. Elizabeth Foundation

Many women have chosen abortion over adoption due to the fear of shame, financial burden, and a lack of support throughout their pregnancy. While abortion may seem like a fast and easy decision, it can also leave the mother with deep feelings of guilt and even adverse health effects. But during a worrisome and unsteady circumstance such as an unplanned pregnancy, knowing each option available to you may be difficult.

At St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand these fears and help women facing unintended pregnancies find solutions that benefit both the mother and the baby. If a mother feels unprepared for parenthood, overwhelmed by finances, or simply is not ready to alter her aspirations in order to take on motherhood, adoption can be a healthy alternative. At St. Elizabeth’s, birth mothers receive counseling, financial support, and empowerment from our caring team. Every decision from where to have her baby to the openness of the adoption is placed in her hands. And after the birth and finalization of the adoption, our support does not end. We remain available for post-placement counseling.

We also understand that our birth mothers aren’t alone in adoption-related worries. Adopting families can face challenges including financial commitment, legal hurdles, and emotional struggles. However, just as St. Elizabeth supports birth mothers, we also ensure adopting couples have every possible resource available to them, from counseling and education to a loving support system from our staff and other adopting families.

Adoption is a beautiful solution filled with opportunities for birth mothers, children, and adopting families alike. Let St Elizabeth Foundation show you how to begin your own adoption journey.

Choosing Adoption in Louisiana

No matter how the Dobbs v. Jackson case resolves, St. Elizabeth Foundation remains dedicated to changing lives through adoption. We seek to provide deep, loving care for birth mothers as they navigate the choices ahead of them. For couples looking to grow their own families through the loving decision to adopt, we help you connect with birth mothers to begin the journey to finding your child. And, we work diligently to protect budding new life and provide opportunities for the child and all involved.

If you are pregnant or would like to become an adopting family, we want to share more information, answers to your questions, or support as you pursue adoption. Give us a call today at 225-769-8888, or send us a message. We look forward to extending love, education, and encouragement every step of the way.

Adoption vs Abortion: What You Should Know

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You’ve learned that you’re pregnant. For some, this may be a happy discovery. But for others, it may be quite the opposite. For women who are not ready to begin families, do not have the support of a partner, or simply do not want children, an unplanned pregnancy may be an earth-shattering realization. With simple research, you’ll find two options ahead of you: adoption vs abortion. When making the decision that’s best for you, it is important to have all the facts. Let St. Elizabeth Foundation help you understand both options and discover solutions during a time of confusion.

What Comes After Abortion?

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, abortion may seem like a fast solution. In 2021, there were 7,444 abortions in Louisiana alone. This expensive procedure ranges anywhere from $400 during the first trimester to several thousand later on. But what happens after going through with the procedure? For many who choose abortion to end an unintended pregnancy, they may be faced with a need for physical and emotional recovery. If you are wondering whether adoption vs abortion is right for you and are considering terminating your pregnancy, make sure to plan for what could come after your procedure.

Emotional Processing

Before making your decision, consider the effect of having an abortion on your psychological health. One of the longest-lasting consequences of termination is your emotional response to the procedure. Not all patients feel relief after recovery. Others may go through waves of guilt, emptiness, or remorse. Seeking counseling before your decision can help you to better understand what options are available to you and prevent you from making a choice you may ultimately regret.

Possible Side Effects

While side effects are not common, a medical abortion may still carry the possibility of immediate or long-term physical risks. This is especially true the further you progress in your pregnancy. Cervical piercing or tearing, blood clots in the uterus, or hemorrhaging may occur. Some patients may experience a pelvic infection due to bacteria that enter the uterus during operation. And if any fetal tissue is left over in the uterus, this can also lead to infection, bleeding, or needing another medical procedure. If a patient suffers complications with their abortion, this may also lead to difficulties with childbearing in the future.

What is the Adoption Process at St. Elizabeth?

Adoption is an alternative to abortion. Choosing an open, semi-open, or closed adoption vs the permanent decision of abortion can not only help you avoid emotional and physical woes, but it can also give your child the opportunity to grow up in a loving, stable household. With the emotional and financial support of the St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can determine the right adoption plan for you and your baby. Here’s an overview of the adoption process in our Louisiana agency.

1. Reach Out to Us

First, send us a message or give us a call. If you’re feeling scared or overwhelmed by an unexpected pregnancy, know that you have kind, understanding counselors ready to listen on the other end of the phone. We’ll set up a time for us to meet in person that works for you. If you are wondering whether adoption vs abortion is right for you or if you aren’t sure what options are available to you, we make sure you have every possible resource to help with your decision. Together, we’ll step you through each option, and we’ll coach you through our adoption process.

2. Get the Support You Need

Every birth mother’s circumstances are different. You may have a supportive partner or family to walk through your adoption decisions with. Or, you may be facing the journey alone. At St. Elizabeth, we make sure that you are surrounded by love and care no matter what. We also offer counseling services before your adoption and after its completion to help you navigate every positive and negative emotion you experience.

3. Choose the Adoptive Family

The St. Elizabeth Foundation lets you, the birth mother, remain in control of each decision throughout the adoption process. We confidentially connect you with adopting families to determine which family is right for your baby. Each of our adoptive parents consists of a married couple of at least five years. These parents have undergone necessary education and home studies to ensure that your baby will be well cared for in a safe environment. Browse our family profile books to find the right match, and then we can move forward with the birth plan and finalization.

4. Finalize Your Birth Plan

We want you to choose the labor and delivery plan that will be the most comfortable for you. Our team is there to support you leading up to the birth, during delivery, and afterward. Depending on the type of adoption you choose, we will then help you finalize the adoption process and make sure that your baby is placed safely with the adoptive family you have chosen. And your care doesn’t stop there. We continue with post-placement counseling to help you navigate any feelings that come after your adoption process is complete.

What Are the Benefits of Adoption?

We know that deciding what to do after an unplanned pregnancy is no easy task. And when choosing to place your child for adoption, there are many fears and anxieties that you may face. But when you choose to place your child for adoption, you can discover a wide range of benefits for both you and your baby. Since 1988, the St. Elizabeth Foundation has provided birth mothers with a caring, judgment-free environment to process the unknowns of unintended pregnancy. Let us empower you to be in control of your decisions and find the right options for you and your child.

Adoption Can Remain Confidential

While abortion may seem like your only option for remaining confidential after an unplanned pregnancy, this isn’t true! Adoption through St. Elizabeth’s can be carried out confidentially. Your family, friends, and other relationships will not be contacted during your adoption journey. And depending on the adoption plan you choose, you can even remain anonymous when it comes to your baby and adopting parents. Our staff takes your concerns into account and handles your adoption with the greatest sensitivity.

Your Relationship With the Adoptive Family and Baby Can Be Open or Closed

When it comes to an adoption plan, three options are typically available: open, semi-open, and closed. This determines how much contact a birth mother keeps with her baby and their adopted family following the adoption’s finalization. Choosing an open adoption can mean keeping regular contact with the child and their adoptive parents. Semi-open adoptions also allow birth mothers to stay in touch but with more limited parameters. But, if you would prefer to have no relations with the baby or the adoptive family, closed and confidential adoptions are also an option.

Adoption Provides Brighter Futures for All Involved

The news of unplanned pregnancy may feel like an “end”—but with adoption, you can discover a new beginning. By placing your baby for adoption with our Louisiana agency, you can create opportunities not only for yourself but for your baby and their adoptive family. Your child will be able to enter a loving, supportive home where they can grow up in a safe environment. Many of our adoptive families have also struggled with infertility, and your decision to adopt can help a family welcome the child they’ve longed for. And with adoption, you don’t have to put your goals aside. You can move forward after your adoption without sacrificing your future.

Adoption vs Abortion: Finding Support at St. Elizabeth Foundation

Deciding between adoption vs abortion is no easy task. From emotional and social woes to financial commitments, we understand that your decision carries a great deal of weight. At St. Elizabeth Foundation, you can find a loving support system in your time of confusion. If you would like to discuss your options or begin the adoption process, we would love for you to reach out to us. Give us a call at 225-769-8888, or send us a message. Adoption is available to you at any stage of your pregnancy, and so are we.

6 Steps to Place a Baby for Adoption in Lafayette

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An unexpected pregnancy can be challenging, and choosing the right path forward can be even more difficult. At the St. Elizabeth Foundation in Baton Rouge, we know that processing the emotions of an unplanned pregnancy isn’t easy, and choosing to place your baby for adoption can be an extremely hard decision. But we are here to support you throughout the entire process and make sure that you know what lies before you every step of the way. If you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy and don’t know what your next steps should be, don’t worry. These six steps can help you begin the adoption process in Lafayette.

1. Choose an Adoption Agency

After an unplanned pregnancy, you must first work through the choices ahead of you. And if you choose to place your baby for adoption in Lafayette, working with an established adoption agency can help to alleviate the stress of your situation. The professionals at these agencies, like St. Elizabeth’s in Baton Rouge, handle your pregnancy and concerns with the utmost sensitivity. From helping you cope with an unexpected pregnancy to making sure you understand all of your opportunities, an agency can remind you that you are not alone in what may feel like a chaotic circumstance.

2. Work Through Counseling

After reaching out to St. Elizabeth’s, we begin with counseling. This is a core part of the adoption process in Lafayette and the surrounding areas. Counseling works through multiple facets of your adoption journey, from navigating the emotional ups and downs of the process to working through the logistics of adoption. Our professionally trained counselors discuss what you can expect after choosing to place your baby for adoption. And while we guide you through the different decisions ahead of you, every final say is left up to your discretion.

3. Choose the Adoptive Family

Our adoption agency is proud to empower birth mothers. From choosing the openness of adoption to choosing the adopting parents, every major decision is in the birth mother’s control. At St. Elizabeth, we connect you with adoptive families who have been married for at least five years. These couples may have struggled with infertility, or they may be seeking to grow their family through adoption. Take your time going through each couple’s profile book to get to know their story and heart. Once you have decided which family is the right match for your baby and whether you would prefer an open, semi-open, or closed adoption, it’s time to plan for your delivery.

4. Discover Pregnancy and Delivery Assistance

It’s no mystery that pregnancy and delivery are expensive processes. And depending on the circumstances of your pregnancy, you may be facing them on your own. Find emotional and monetary support with the St. Elizabeth Foundation! We assist with lessening financial burdens, including medical, legal, living, and counseling costs. We are also present to help with delivery and finalizing your adoption plan when the time comes.

5. Finalize the Adoption

Once your baby is born, it is time to enter the final steps of your adoption journey in Lafayette. If you opt for a closed adoption, we handle the details of placing your baby with the adopting family you have chosen without any contact. Or in the case of open or semi-open adoption, we help build the bridge between you and the family. This can allow you to stay in touch with your baby even after they have been placed. Our caring professionals at St. Elizabeth’s help you determine the right decision for you!

6. Finish With Post-Placement Counseling

Once the adoption has been completed, we know that the journey isn’t over. Many emotions still linger after finalizing your adoption, and the St. Elizabeth Foundation is here to help you process them. With post-placement counseling, we help you grapple with positive and negative emotions. And, we let you know that even though your adoption process has closed, you can always find a family and support system through our adoption agency.

Choose Adoption in Lafayette With the Help of St. Elizabeth’s!

At the St. Elizabeth Foundation, we understand that choosing to place your child for adoption is an act of love. And we are dedicated to offering the same love to our birth mothers throughout their adoption journey. If you are searching for adoption solutions in Lafayette, let our caring staff tell you more about our process. Reach out by phone at 225-769-8888 or by email through our website. We would love to encourage you throughout this process and help you determine the best options for you.

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.

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. 

Why You Should Contact Our Adoption Agency Near Lafayette

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If you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, you can choose to keep your child, terminate your pregnancy, or place them for adoption. Both parenting your child and opting for abortion are permanent decisions that come with great emotional and financial consideration. With adoption through an established agency near Lafayette, you can instead connect your child to a home where they can receive the support they need. Don’t face the ups and downs of an unplanned pregnancy alone. Find help, care, and support from St. Elizabeth Foundation adoption agency near Lafayette! Are you wondering if placing your baby for adoption is the right choice for you? Here are five common reasons why birth mothers choose adoption for their children.

1. You Are Not Financially Ready for a Family

Having a baby and starting a family is expensive. In fact, raising a child to the age of 18 can cost over $230,000. While parenthood is a beautiful endeavor, it can be a large stressor if it comes when you aren’t financially ready. How can you offer your baby the best life possible? Adoption can give your child the opportunity to grow up in a household with the financial support, medical and educational access, and stability they need.  

2. You Are Too Young to Be a Mom

You may find that you are not yet ready to be a mom, especially at a young age. You may not have the time, means, or desire to take on the full-time responsibility of parenthood. Adoption can help you pursue the best outcomes for you and your baby! With our adoption agency near Lafayette, you can find a judgment-free zone for planning your adoption process and meeting prospective adoptive parents. If you opt for open or semi-open adoption, you can keep in contact with your baby and their adoptive parents while still being able to focus on your own growth.

3. You Don’t Want to Choose Abortion

It’s understandable to consider all of your options when determining what to do after an unplanned pregnancy. At St. Elizabeth’s, we make sure you know what options are available to you. Instead of jumping into a permanent decision, we urge you to consider the benefits of open, semi-open, or closed adoption types. Get in touch with us for free counseling services to understand each possibility ahead of you to find the right choice for you and your baby.

4. You Have Different Goals for Your Future

Your goals matter, and having a child may not be a part of your plan. You should be able to continue taking the steps towards reaching your goals. And at our adoption agency near Lafayette, we can help you move forward without sacrificing the well-being of your baby. Start by considering where you see your life in two years, five years, and ten years. If you do not see raising a child as a part of these objectives, let our caring workers at St. Elizabeth’s help you learn what adoption possibilities you can find.

5. You Want Your Child to Grow Up in a Two-Parent Household

As a single mother, you may wish for your child to grow up in a home with two present and supportive parents. If you face raising your child alone, choosing adoption can give your baby a future in a complete household. At St. Elizabeth’s, our adopting families consist of a mother and father who have been married for at least five years. These families are excited to introduce a baby into their homes and provide them with love, support, and care. We can help you find the right family for your child!

Work With Our Adoption Agency in Lafayette

If you would like more information on our adoption services or would like to speak with a member of our team, we would love for you to reach out to us at the St. Elizabeth Foundation. Our adoption agency is located near Lafayette in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Give us a call at 225-769-8888, or send us a message through our website. We look forward to giving you the guidance and support you need!