Birthparent Pre-Surrender Counseling:
A minimum of two sessions of pre-surrender counseling is required.  This counseling is specific to the needs of the surrendering parent and according to established standards of adoption practice and the Louisiana Children's Code, including verification of an understanding of the adoption process. A notarized affidavit is issued.

Birthparent Medical/Genetic Background Collection: This includes a full review of over 60 possible medical conditions, pregnancy and drug/medication history, prior pregnancies histories, and basic social/family history.

Birthparent Counseling: Additional counseling for birth parents needing or wanting ongoing sessions or hospital visits separate from the required counseling is available.

Adoption Home Study - Domestic and International: The study is conducted according to the Louisiana Children's Code and the Administrative Code.  It involves two home visits, individual visits with each member of the household, criminal and child abuse background checks, references, supporting documents, and discussions on a variety of related topics. Counseling, education, and preparation services are included in the study process.  An initial, informational office visit is offered at no charge.

Adoption Home Study Update: An update is generally required every six months and definitely every two years until placement. Any changes to your circumstances will require additional updates; the specific requirements and costs will vary.

Post-Placement Supervision: Generally, three home visits are required in a Louisiana adoption. Specifics will vary depending on whether your placement was through an agency or an attorney or, in the case of international adoptions, on the agreement made with that country. The purpose of this supervision is to help you and the child adjust and to provide information to the court for finalization or to the country of origin for their records. In the case of an international adoption, information is given on the Louisiana Recognition of a Foreign Adoption, the first step in the process of issuing birth certificates to foreign adoptees. Other topics, such as developmental delays, developmental repetitions, developmental assessment programs, and working with your child about adoption issues, are discussed.

Post-Finalized Counseling and Crisis Intervention Services: Assessment, counseling, and intervention services are available.  This agency specializes in counseling services to adoptive families at any point after placement.  Whether assisting your child to process his adoption-related feelings, helping you understand odd behavior and how to respond, or lending support in any other situation unique to adoptive families, the agency is a consistent source of hope, information, and intervention.

Special Needs, Older Child, or Adolescent Adoption: The agency will also introduce you to the possibilities of adopting an older child or sibling group or a child with special needs. You will be given information on how to locate a child or sibling group for whom you feel you could provide a “forever home.”