Interested in learning more about adoptions? Attend one of our Adoption Matters workshops, a presentation covering all aspects of finding families for children.  Many are intimidated about the process and not sure where to start. Come hear our experienced social workers demystify the journey toward a successful adoption and building happy families by registering for one of our workshops.

TERRITORY SERVED

Diocese of Baton Rouge, 12 civil parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, Tangipahoa.   Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis (i.e., areas outside of Baton Rouge Diocese where Hague accredited international adoption services are not offered).  Families outside of the diocese will be responsible for reimbursing mileage.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTION

• Applicants of any religion, race or nationality/extraction may apply.
• The determination of applicants’ eligibility is established by requirements of specific programs in other countries.
• The Louisiana Children’s Code, Chapter 9, Article 1198 governs who may petition for adoption as follows: “A single person, eighteen years or older, or a married couple jointly may petition to adopt a child through an agency.  When one joint petitioner dies after the petition has been filed, the adoption proceedings may continue as though the survivor was a single original petitioner.”
• Applicants must be working in conjunction with a licensed placing agency and in the case of Hague home studies, a Hague accredited adoption placing agency.
• Applicants are responsible for compliance with the specific requirements of the placing agency and the specific country from which they are adopting.
• The preparation and assessment process includes the prospective adoptive parent(s) submission of requested and required documentation, criminal and child abuse registry clearances, references, group training of a minimum of 10 hours and a home study, which includes individual, couple, and family interviews.
• Prospective adoptive parents are required to make full disclosure of their circumstances and past history.

CCDIOBR PARTNERSHIPS

• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge currently has cooperating agreements, through which CCDIOBR functions as a Supervised Provider for the provision of services including home studies, training, and post placement services.
• CCDIOBR currently has agreements with the following Primary Providers:
  - Catholic Charities of Baltimore (programs: Korea and Philippines)
  - Holt International (programs: China, Nepal, and others)
  - CCAI (programs: China and others)
  - Great Wall China Adoption (programs: China and others)
• Other licensed and accredited placing agencies with which CCDIOBR works on a case by case basis include but are not limited to All God’s Children International, Children’s Hope International, European Adoption Consultants, and Wide Horizons for Children

PROCEDURES

• Contact us at (225) 336-8708 or click here to send an email or write or telephone for information including a fee schedule and a pre-application form.
• Telephone:  225 336 8708  Address:  P.O. Box 4785  Baton Rouge, LA  70821
• Completed pre-application is reviewed and acknowledged by the agency.
• Applicants complete application packet and submit with required documentation.
• References and criminal records clearances are requested by Agency.
• Applicants participate in Group Training.
• Home study process begins including interviews and any further documentation, assessment, or training recommended.
• Home study, training and post placement fees for services are payable to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and are separate from placing agency fees, USCIS fees, attorney and court fees, and other expenses associated with the adoption
• Upon request CCDIOBR discloses to client(s) and Prospective client(s) the following information:
  - The number of adoption placements per year for the prior three calendar years
  - The number and percentage of the placements which remain intact, are disrupted, or have been dissolved as of the request for information
  - The number of prospective adoptive parents who apply to adopt on a yearly basis, based on data for the prior three calendar years
  - The number of children eligible for adoption and awaiting and adoptive placement referral via the Placing Agency or person

CURRENT FEE SCHEDULE
Click here for the current fee schedule for International Adoptions

Click here to contact our International Adoption Department for more information.