Welcome! Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board is a resource for adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents.
Things You Can Do On LAAB's Website
Adoptees can learn about getting non-identifying info from their original birth certificate.
Get info on upcoming adoption conferences and events in Louisiana.
Adoptive parents can learn how to talk to their children about adoption.
Birthparents can find a support group
Learn about adopting an older child in foster care.
DNA Testing For Adoptees: Watch, Learn
DNA expert and author Richard Hill presents a free presentation as part of a Facebook Live series sponsored by My Heritage, View the presentation on the MyHeritage Facebook page. Hill, a friend of LAAB, was the first adoptee to find his birth family through DNA testing.
​
​
Watch LAAB's Webinar
An Adoptee's Search For Birthparents: A Challenging Journey
Noted author Gary Stewart, a Baton Rouge adoptee, was the speaker at LAAB's first virtual conference on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Stewart discussed his dramatic search for his birthfather and reunion with his birthmother. Stewart's book, The Most Dangerous Animal Of All, was made into a recent FX television series of the same name. Stewart used his story to explore issues common to adoptees as they seek identity and wholeness through a search for birthparents.
See a trailer of Stewart's FX series.
​
​
​
​
Birth Parents Support Network
All birth parents are invited to join this LAAB support group.
The group's mission is to come together to support, encourage and listen to each other.
The group is non-judgmental and confidential. Contact Jeanette Livingston to learn more.
​
​
Meet The LAAB Board
Jeanette Livingston, Board Chair
I am a reunited birth mom since 2009. I met my son as an adult in 1995 when he was 24 years old. He got angry with me and wouldn't speak to me for 14 years. I lost track of him, and in 2005 I found a blog he was writing. I followed his move to another state and every once in a while I would send him an email. Sometimes he would answer and sometimes not. In 2008 I asked him if we could ski together, and he accepted. I booked a flight for Jan. 2009, he then came to Baton Rouge for our youngest son's wedding and realized he felt a connection. We have had many ups and downs, but we are good friends.
​
I have been married 48 years and have raised two sons; those sons gave us seven grandsons. My birth son has two daughters. I have been a LAAB member since 2010 and have held various jobs on the board. I have enjoyed organizing the birth parent retreat, and from that we formed a birth parent support group.
Adoption News
​
News Article: New Orleans Couple Trying To Adopt Loses Child, nola.com 7/27/20
​
​
​
Survey For Adoptive Parents Of Children With Disabilities
Researchers are seeking U.S. adoptive parent participants for a survey about parenting an adopted child with a disability. To participate, parents must have at least one adopted child under 18 with at least one developmental, physical or mental health disability. Researchers hope to use the findings to better improve the lives of adoptive parents and adopted children and youth with disabilities. Learn more.
​
Resources
​
A national project that supports child welfare systems and connects children in foster care with families.
​
Congressional Coalition on Adoption® and its Angels in Adoption® Program
Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes.
​
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Supports, educates, inspires, and advocates so adoptive families thrive and every child in foster care has a permanent, safe, loving family.
​
​
Adoption News
LAAB Helps Everyone Learn About Adoption In Louisiana
