If you’re considering adopting a child in Louisiana, it may be helpful to first check whether you meet the adoption requirements in Louisiana.

 If you have any questions about our agency's Louisiana adoption requirements, reach out to an adoption specialist to get answers.

It's important to have an understanding of your states' adoption requirements so that you can be adequately prepared to begin your adoption journey. Our adoption specialists will be by your side to make sure you're going through the proper channels.

These regulations vary from state to state, so to help you in your quest to learn more about Louisiana’s adoption qualifications, we’ve compiled a little cheat sheet.

What do I need to adopt a child in Louisiana?

The laws about Louisiana qualifications for adoption state that the following individuals can adopt:

• A single person who meets the Louisiana adoption age limit of 18 years or older. You don’t have to be married to adopt in Louisiana.

• A married couple who adopts jointly

• A stepparent, grandparent, step-grandparent, great-grandparent, or relatives within the twelfth degree may petition to adopt a child if the individual:

  • Is related to the child

  • Is a single person age 18 or older or a married person who is petitioning along with their spouse

  • Has had legal or physical custody of the child for at least six months prior to petitioning for adoption

If you meet the above Louisiana adoption qualifications, you’ll also have to undergo a home study. This is to determine your readiness to adopt based on three stages: a documentation phase, a home inspection and interviews with each member of your family.

During the documentation phase, you will be asked to gather important documents such as financial and health records to show that you are capable of providing a safe and stable home for a child. This phase will also include background checks. For the home inspection, a home study professional will enter your home to ensure that it is safe for a child. While it’s easier said than done, try not to stress too much about a social worker entering your home; just think of it as an extra set of eyes for things like fences around pools and outlet covers! After the home inspection is complete, the social worker will sit down individually with each family member to ensure that everyone in the home is excited about adoption.

You should know as well that different adoption agencies may have their own qualifications to adopt a child. To learn more about American Adoptions’ adoption qualifications, please call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Can a felon adopt a child in Louisiana?

This is a question we do receive sometimes, and the answer is not exactly black and white. In fact, it depends entirely on the nature of the felony charge. If the crime was violent or involved the wellbeing of a child, then it is not likely you’ll meet the requirements for adopting a child in Louisiana. If, however, the crime was non-violent and you can speak to your social worker about what you’ve learned since committing it, you may still be able to meet Louisiana adoption requirements.

What are the emotional qualifications to adopt a child in Louisiana?

In most cases, it’s relatively easy to determine whether you meet the legal adoption requirements in Louisiana. However, it’s also important that you meet certain emotional adoption qualifications. Before beginning the adoption process, you should have:

• Fully grieved infertility, if this is something your family has struggled with.

• Told all of your closest family members and friends about your adoption decision.

• Become ecstatic about adoption — as much so as if you were having a biological child.

• Come to terms with the fact that the adoption process will have lows as well as highs.

If you have not yet completed all of these steps, you can speak with a social worker to learn how to work on meeting the emotional requirements to adopt a child in Louisiana.

What are Louisiana’s requirements for adoption from foster care?

To adopt a child from Louisiana’s foster care system, you will need to meet the following LA adoption qualifications:

• Have adequate bedroom space.

• Not have more than five children under the age of 18.

• Have a safe home as well as working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.

• Provide medical statements that indicate you are healthy and emotionally stable enough to raise a child.

• Provide proof of income that is sufficient to raise a child.

For more information about our agency's adoption requirements in Louisiana, get in touch with an adoption specialist today.

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