What Happens to My Baby After Adoption in Louisiana?

If you're considering adoption in Louisiana, you're probably wondering about the specifics: what happens at the hospital, who will care for your baby and whether you'll ever see them again. These are important questions, and you deserve clear answers as you think through this decision.

Below, we'll walk you through what happens after you consent to adoption in Louisiana, how adoptive families are vetted, what your legal rights are and how American Adoptions can support you every step of the way. If you want personalized guidance, you can contact us online or call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist.

The Journey From Hospital to Home: What Happens to Your Baby After Adoption?

Understanding what happens after birth can help you feel more prepared. Here's how the process typically unfolds:

In Louisiana, if you're working with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions, you must wait at least three days after birth before you can sign your consent to adoption. This waiting period gives you time to be with your baby, recover from delivery and make sure you're certain about your decision.

When you're ready, you'll work with your adoption specialist and an attorney who will explain exactly what you're signing and answer any questions you have.

When it's time to leave the hospital, your baby will go home with the adoptive family you chose. The family you selected will take full responsibility from that moment forward.

Your Baby Goes Directly to the Family You Chose

What happens to your baby after adoption? Even if you choose adoption at the hospital or after parenting, your baby will not enter foster care. You get to select the adoptive family who will raise your child. These families have been approved through a rigorous screening process, and they're ready to welcome your baby into their home.

From the time you sign your consent, the adoptive family becomes responsible for your baby. They'll provide all the care, love and stability your child needs. You can rest assured that your baby will be deeply loved.

Every Family in Our Network Is Carefully Vetted Before Adoption

Every family in our network completes a rigorous home study process before they can adopt.

Here's what the home study covers:

You can browse family profiles to find the right fit for your baby, knowing that every single family has been carefully screened.

How Louisiana's Adoption Process Works Legally

Once you've signed your consent, here's how the legal process unfolds:

The adoptive family will file a petition to finalize the adoption in court, usually a few months after placement.
A social worker will complete post-placement visits with the family to ensure everything is going well.
The court will issue a final decree of adoption, which legally transfers all parental rights to the adoptive parents.
A new birth certificate will be issued with the adoptive parents' names listed.

After the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents have full custody and make all decisions about your child's future. Your name will no longer appear on legal documents as a parent, but that doesn't erase your role in your child's story.

Have questions? Our specialists can walk you through every step of Louisiana's legal process and make sure you fully understand your rights before you make any decisions.

You Can Stay Connected Through Open Adoption

With open adoption, you don't have to say goodbye. Open adoption allows you to maintain some level of contact with your child and their adoptive family. Here's what that can look like:

Photos
Letters
Phone calls
Video chats
In-person visits:
Social media
And more

If you want to stay in touch with your child after adoption, we can help you find a family that shares your contact preferences. You can also browse profiles of waiting families online.

American Adoptions’ Support Continues After Placement

Placing your baby for adoption doesn't mean you're on your own afterward. American Adoptions offers ongoing support to help you move forward after this life-changing decision.

Post-Adoption Counseling
Our counseling services are available whenever you need them. We're here to support you through the emotions that come after placement, such as grief, confusion and relief.
Financial Assistance
In Louisiana, adoption financial assistance can continue for up to 45 days after you give birth. This can help cover rent, utilities, groceries and other living expenses during your recovery. This gives you one less thing to worry about during this time.
Communication Support
Many birth parents and adoptive families build strong, lasting relationships. If communication challenges ever come up, we're here to help facilitate conversations and keep things on track.

Take the Next Step: Connect With Us Today

Understanding what happens to your baby after adoption can help you make an informed decision. Your baby will go directly to a loving family who is ready to provide a safe and nurturing home. You'll have the opportunity to choose that family, decide on the level of openness you want and receive support before, during and after placement.

If you're ready to take the next step or just want to learn more, fill out our short form today. We're here to answer your questions, walk you through your options and support you every step of the way.

Disclaimer
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