The Adoption Journey

Every child deserves more than a temporary place to stay. They deserve safety, stability and home where they are known and loved.

If you’re considering adoption in Louisiana, DCFS will walk you through every step of the adoption process.

THE ADOPTION PROCESS: AT A GLANCE

Stepping Up Starts Here

Complete a home study, background clearances, and required training.

Certification

Before you can be matched with a child, you’ll complete a home study, background clearances, and required training. Think of this less as a hurdle and more as preparation because the children who come into your home will need you ready.

Register for an informational meeting

Documentation

To complete the application process, prospective foster parents must provide the following:

  • Current driver’s license
  • Car insurance and registration 
  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificates of everyone in the household
  • Proof of marital status such as:
    • Marriage Certificate
    • Divorce Decree for all former marriages
    • Death Certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax forms etc.)
  • Pet immunization records
  • 5 personal references (including 3 who are not relatives)
  • One reference from the prospective foster parent’s employer
  • Contact information for any adult children of the prospective foster parent

You will serve as the child’s foster parent for a minimum of six months.

During the six-month period, the child’s caseworker will visit monthly to discuss the adoption process with both the parents and the child, and complete required adoption paperwork.

When you have decided to adopt, you will need to retain your own adoption attorney. DCFS can provide a referral list of attorneys if you need it.

Once the child has been in your home for a minimum of six months, the adoption petition will be filed with the court.

A court date will be scheduled, and upon approval, the adoption is finalized.

Two kids lying on the floor and reading a book

Meeting Your Families’ Match

Every child here has a story still being written. Some have been waiting longer than they should have to. Take a few minutes and get to know them.

See Their Stories (opens in a new tab)

Adopting a Relative

If you’re a relative or close family friend who has stepped up for a child who needs a home—first, thank you. That kind of love matters more than you know.

Adoption may be an option, and there are resources built specifically to help relative caregivers navigate that path.

Kinship Navigator