No matter what industry you’re in, there are always myths and misconceptions flying around. Unfortunately, adoption is no different. And this incorrect information can often cause individuals to avoid adoption as a choice altogether. Let us debunk some of these adoption myths and help you see if adoption is the best choice for you.

1. Most Adoptions Are Closed

Due to the media, a lot of individuals seem to believe that most adoptions are closed. However, this is false. Most adoptions are actually either open or semi-open. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a closed adoption if that’s what you want. If you’re unsure of the options, talk to one of our counselors. We can go into detail about what each choice offers and whether it may be best for you.

2. Transracial Adoptions Are Too Complicated

Some parents are concerned about adopting outside of their race. However, transracial adoption can be easier than you think. It’s all about having an open discussion and making sure your child doesn’t feel isolated or uncared for. Avoiding race altogether can create a number of problems. 

Examples of this include health and care needs. Take hair, for example. The care that needs to go into your child’s hair may differ exponentially from your own if they are of a different race as there are differences in texture, moisture retention, and even color since some hair colors have their own needs as well. But all of these needs can be met with the right dedication, which means putting in the time to learn how to properly care for your child. Avoiding race can also make your child feel racially isolated, creating identity issues. Having open discussions can help ease this feeling and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. 

No matter the situation, there are challenges that come with every adoption. But, with assistance from our agency, we can help you find the right path for you and your family. Don’t let unnecessary adoption myths ruin your mindset.

3. You Have to Own a Home to Adopt

While ideal, you don’t need to own a house to adopt. You could rent, or even live in or own an apartment. The important thing agencies such as ours are looking for is that your living situation is of a high enough quality to comfortably care for a child and yourself without struggling. Have concerns about this? Talk to us! We’re happy to help you find the choice that’s best for everyone.

Don’t Let Adoption Myths Stop You From Choosing Adoption

Want to further explore whether adoption is the right choice for you? Talk to our staff. We’re more than happy to help you. Call 225-769-8888 to talk with a professional today.

Choosing adoption can be a difficult choice for both the birth mother and adoptive parents. However, once you set your mind on the idea, you need the best adoption agency to help you through the process. But what can you expect to see in an adoption agency? Not every agency is built the same. Discover what we can offer you at St. Elizabeth Foundation, and then you can decide if we’re the best adoption agency for you and your family in Louisiana. 

What to Expect From a Private Adoption Agency

No matter if you’re the mother or the chosen adoptive parents, there are a number of things to expect from your agency. 

Let’s look at the parents first. No matter if you choose to go through the state or through a private agency, adoptive families have to go through a home check to confirm that the family fits certain qualifications. These are all in place to ensure the child is entering a stable home that can care for their needs without a doubt. For example, one of the qualifications you can see at St. Elizabeth is that adoptive parents must be a married couple who have been married for a minimum of five years. 

From an adoption agency like ours, birth mothers can expect plenty of support throughout their pregnancy. For example, we help our mothers by helping them choose the right decision for them once they realize they’re pregnant. Additionally, we’re also here to help mothers with other types of support, such as financial and physical support. We want to make sure that our mothers are being well taken care of.

Do You Know What Type of Adoption You Want?

Not every adoption looks alike. At St. Elizabeth, we actually offer three different types of adoption services to choose from. Explore these adoption choices to determine which one may make the most sense in your life.

• Open adoptions allow birth mothers to have direct contact with the adoptive family. In some cases, this may be the best way to communicate with each other and stay active in the child’s life.
• Semi-open adoptions are the most common choice for families and mothers at St. Elizabeth. Our team helps facilitate communication between birth parents and adoptive families in semi-open adoptions. This communication can be in the form of letters, phone calls, emails, etc. This allows for safe communication where everyone’s boundaries are respected.
• Closed adoptions do not include contact between the birth parents and adoptive families after the placement. It’s also important to note that any information about the birth parents remains confidential. However, they may choose to share their medical history.

Are We the Best Adoption Agency for You?

Everyone’s needs are different. Because of this, you need the best adoption agency for you and your new family. Do you think that St. Elizabeth Foundation is the right choice for you? If so, it might be time to get in touch with our professionals. Our Baton Rouge adoption agency is full of professionals who are ready to help you add to your family. Connect with us by either sending us a message at info@stelizabethfoundation.org or by giving us a call at 225-769-8888. We’re more than happy to have a conversation with you, and we strive to be the best adoption agency for your needs. 

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

Benefits for the Birth Mother

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

Benefits for the Adopting Family

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

Benefits for the Baby

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

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

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

If you are considering adoption and are in Shreveport, know that this is a beautiful, exciting journey that you are embarking on! You, as adoptive parents, are providing a loving home and stability to a child. But also know that it comes with many emotions and financial commitments. St. Elizabeth Foundation is excited to begin your adoption process in Louisiana and help you understand each step in the journey. Here are seven things to know going into your adoption that can make you better prepared.

Here’s What You Should Know About Adoption In Shreveport

St. Elizabeth Foundation has helped many brave mothers find homes for their babies following unplanned pregnancies. We look forward to assisting you in your adoption process, as well! We are grateful for your decision to open your hearts and your homes to a new child. Even so, we know that the road to adoption is not always easy. Here are a few points to keep in mind to help you along the way:

1. Ensure That Your Family and Spouse Are Supportive

You and your family should be on the same page when deciding to adopt. Are you and your partner both ready to parent another child or your first child? Are you both accepting of a child that isn’t biologically your own? If you already have children, have you discussed adoption with them to prepare them for a new sibling? Disagreements can spur discourse among your immediate family members and make the environment more stressful for a new child.

2. Make Sure That You Are Financially Sound

Your heart may be in the right place by desiring an adoption, but it is important to enter into your situation realistically. Adopting a newborn comes with new financial commitments, from doctor’s appointments to diapers and baby gear. Consider your expenses pre-adoption and what expenditures will be necessary for the years to come. You want to know that your family is financially equipped to support an addition to your household.

3. Decide What Type of Adoption Is Right For You

There are three main types of adoption: Open, Closed, and Semi-Open. This specifies the amount of contact the birth parents have with their child and the adoptive family once the process is complete. At St. Elizabeth’s, we allow the birth mother to choose her adoption type. You, too, should know what form of adoption is ideal for your situation going forward.

4. Get Advice From Other Adoptive Parents

The stories of other families who have gone through the adoption process are an invaluable resource. If you know adoptive parents personally, ask them about their experience! They can empathize with you as you walk through your adoption journey. You can find inspirational, insightful adoption stories through St. Elizabeth, too. Hearing their stories can help you better understand the emotional waves that you may face.

5. Be Patient, and Stay Positive!

The adoption process is not always a quick or smooth one. Take a deep breath, and remember your reasons for adopting. Lean on your support systems for understanding and encouragement. St. Elizabeth’s helps to make your adoption as simple as possible. We are available to answer any questions you have. Patience can be difficult, especially with ups and downs that may come up—but soon enough, wrinkles will be ironed out, paperwork will be finalized, and you will be on the way to welcoming a new baby into your life.

6. Remember To Care For the Biological Parents, Too

When you stand on the side of wanting to adopt, it can be difficult to understand why someone would decide against parenting their child. Understand that every birth mother has their own story. No matter the openness of your adoption, strive to care for the biological parents as much as for the baby you are adopting. The adoption journey comes with powerful emotions on both sides of the process. Make sure to extend love and kindness to all involved.

7. Research the Best Agency For Adoption Near You

You should be able to trust the adoption agency that you pursue. They connect you to your future child and provide invaluable support and education throughout each step of the adoption process. Make sure that you feel comfortable establishing open communication with your agency and sharing your highs and lows with them. They help you to understand and meet the requirements for adoption. This ensures that your home and finances are all in the right place before bringing a new child into your space.

Adopting With St. Elizabeth’s

If you are parents in Shreveport and are ready to move forward with your adoption, St. Elizabeth’s looks forward to helping you take the first steps. Call us today at (225) 769-8888, or request more information on our website. We know that this can come with fears and doubts, but we are here to guide you through the adoption process!