Shreveport Adoption & Foster Care Resources

As a family hoping to grow through adoption or a pregnant woman considering adoption for your baby, you have access to a variety of services and support throughout the adoption process. Here, you will find local resources and adoption information for Shreveport, Louisiana.

Shreveport Adoption Professionals and Adoption Agencies

Prospective birth parents and hopeful adoptive families often choose to work with an adoption professional for guidance throughout the process. This professional will provide education, support and the adoption services you need along the way.
If you would like to work with an adoption professional in your area, consider the following Shreveport adoption professionals:

• Open Arms Adoption Services
• Carl Henry Franklin, Attorney at Law
• Law Offices of Mark D. Frederick

Additional adoption and foster care professionals and services may be found on our Adoption in Louisiana page.

How to Become a Foster Parent in Shreveport

Prospective foster parents in Shreveport must meet the requirements of the state and their chosen agency. In Louisiana, that means meeting certain age and residency requirements, complete a home study and attending training.
If you are interested in becoming a foster family, contact a local foster care organization:

• Caddo Parish Foster Care
• Department of Children & Family Services – Shreveport

Additional foster care information is also included in our Louisiana adoption information.

Home Study Providers in Shreveport

Consisting of personal interviews, background checks, a home evaluation and more, the Louisiana home study is one of the most important steps in achieving your adoption or foster care goals.
Your adoption professional or other home study provider will help you understand the home study process and ensure you are in compliance with all Louisiana laws and requirements. To get started, contact a home study provider in your state:

• Beacon House Adoption Services888-987-6300
  Beacon House Adoption Services is a licensed 501c3 nonprofit adoption agency that offers domestic adoption home study services.
• Adoption Home Studies, Inc.985-264-8982
  Mary Marrs is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Louisiana offering adoption home studies and post-placement services.
• Open Arms Adoption Services318-798-7664
  Open Arms Adoption Services offers domestic and international adoption home studies, home study updates and post-placement supervision.

Visit 1800HomeStudy.com to learn more about Louisiana home study providers.

Hospitals in Shreveport

If you are an considering adoption as an expectant mother, you will need to consider your hospital plan as your due date approaches. As a prospective birth mother, you can work with your adoption specialist to plan the labor and delivery experience you want to have.
When you are ready to begin creating your hospital plan, here are some Shreveport area hospitals that may be able to assist you:

• University Health Shreveport1501 Kings Hwy – PO Box 33932
  Shreveport, LA 71130
  318-675-5379
• Willis-Knighton South and the Center for Women’s Health2510 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
  Shreveport, LA 71118
  318-212-5000
• Christus Health Shreveport1 St. Mary Place
  Shreveport, LA 71101
  318-681-4500

Adoption Laws and Qualifications

Adoptive parents and birth mothers must comply with all Louisiana adoption laws throughout the process. These laws and regulations impact many steps in the adoption process, and it is important to work closely with your adoption professional or adoption attorney to ensure your adoption is being completed legally.
Detailed information about Louisiana adoption laws is available on our Louisiana adoption page. Below, find an overview of the legal processes that impact adoption in Shreveport.
Adoption Laws for Birth Parents
To protect your rights throughout the adoption process, there are several Louisiana laws in place regulating adoption consent, relinquishment, paternity establishment, and more. Find this information, along with other Louisiana adoption laws, here.
Laws for Adoptive Families
As you begin considering adoption in the Shreveport area, you should become familiar with Louisiana adoption requirements. Louisiana statutes regulate who is eligible to adopt, how much money can be spent on an adoption, how advertising may be used in connection with adoption, and more.
County Courts
Following the placement of the child, every adoption must be finalized in court. Your adoption professional will work with you to coordinate the finalization process and help you complete your adoption. Find more information about the courts in your parish below:

• Bossier Parish
• Caddo Parish
• De Soto Parish

Things to do in Shreveport

At some point in the adoption process, you may find yourself spending some time in Shreveport, either to visit prospective birth parents or to wait for ICPC clearances before returning home with your new baby. Here are some local sights and activities to enjoy during your stay:

• W. Norton Art Gallery
• Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
• Barksdale Global Power Museum
• Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park