Finding out that you're going to have a baby can leave you feeling confused and frightened. But you don't have to face the situation alone. Our counselors are on call 24 hours a day, every day. Call 1-800-222-3196 toll-free from anywhere in Louisiana.

The face of adoption has changed drastically in the past several decades, as adoptions have become more "open." Volunteers of America has been a long-time advocate of open adoption.

In our program, birthparents and adoptive couples are able to negotiate the degree of openness appropriate for them. For some, this may mean telephone calls, letters or visits before and after the birth of the child. For others, the degree of openness may be different.

With open adoption:

Birthparents Can:

• choose the adoptive couple who will rear their child
• have telephone calls and visits with the adoptive parents before and after the birth
• receive pictures and updates about the child
• know about their child’s whereabouts
• feel a sense of security and comfort
• have confirmation that the child is loved and cared for.

The Child Can:

• be free from unanswered questions about why she or he was placed for adoption
• have letters, videos, photos and gifts from the birthparents
• have answers to questions such as "who do I look like?"
• be free from obsessions with "unknowns" later in life. Many of the unknowns associated with closed adoptions are nonexistent.

Adoptive Parents Can:

• become part of the child’s and birthparents' lives early in the pregnancy
• know the connection between their child and the birthparents
• be free from fears that can surround adoption and birthparents
• have a way to help the child contact the birthparents when the child is ready or has questions
• receive updates about birthparents
  

The majority of our placements are in Louisiana.  We believe that placing a child in the state where the birthparents live makes it easier for the birthparents to visit and have a relationship with the child and adoptive parents.

Free Pregnancy Testing
Volunteers of America is a provider of free pregnancy testing services with appointments available in Shreveport and Alexandria. Call Volunteers of America North Louisiana at (318) 221-5000 for more information.

Free Counseling
We offer personal and confidential counseling at our offices. We can help you explore the positive choices that are open to you: parenting the child as a single mother, in a marriage partnership with the father, placement with another family member, or open adoption by the couple you choose to raise your child.