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.
"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage--to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning." Alex Haley
Save The Date: LAAB Seminar Nov. 7
LAAB returns to presenting in-person adoption educational events with a seminar at 2:30 pm on Sunday, Nov. 7, at the Baton Rouge main library. Cathryn Stanley will speak on "How To Search When Records Are Sealed." An adoptee and LAAB Board Member, Stanley is author of "My Twenty-Year Journey, An Adoptee's Search For Answers." Stay tuned for registration info. November is National Adoption Month.
2021 Louisiana Legislative Adoption Actions
The legislature passed these adoption bills in its regular spring session.
A bill, filed by Rep. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge), specifying that adoption deception is a crime, has gone to the governor for signing. The bill would apply to those making false representations in placing a child or fraudulently seeking support funds from potential adoptive parents.
The governor signed a bill by Rep. Tony Bacala (R-Prairieville) to standardize the procedures of adoption agencies and private adoptions. The bill covers actions such as in-home visits by social workers and other professionals before a final adoption decree is issued. The governor also signed a bill, introduced by Rep. Jack McFarland (R-Jonesboro), granting tax incentives to persons adopting and fostering certain infants and children.
New Orleans Adoptees Connect With Sisters In Ukraine
From the Advocate, July 19, 2021
In international adoption, connecting with birth family members can be challenging. The story of the
Fielkow family describes how sisters united across time and continents. Read the article.
From the NY Times March 26, 2021
For 50 Years, I Was Denied the Story of My Birth
All adoptees deserve better. By Steve Inskeep
Mr. Inskeep, a co-host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Up First,” is an adoptee and an adoptive father.
Adoption Tale: Uncovering A Lifelong Secret
Watch this feature from March 21’s CBS News Sunday Morning. Correspondent Rita
Braver talks with two families who, late in life, discovered their shared connection
owing to a young woman having been coerced into giving up her baby.
Read an excerpt from the book American Baby: A Mother, a Child, and the Shadow History
of Adoption, by Gabrielle Glaser, featured in this report.
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
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.
LAAB Helps Everyone Learn About Adoption In Louisiana
