"The Lifelong Journey of Adoption" LAAB 2012 Conference | Friday, June 8, 2012 (8:AM - 5:PM)
- Radisson Hotel Baton Rouge | 2445 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
This years' conference will focus on the adoption journey over time for all involved. Adoption is a lifelong inter-generational journey that unites the constellation of birth families, adopted persons and adoptive families forever.
Nationally known speakers include: Dr. Gary Mallon, Dr. Frank Kunstal, Patricia Martinez Dorner, Pam Hasegawa, Betsy Forest, Penny Callan Partridge, and Kim Stevens.
The mission of LAAB is to bring various members of the adoption community together to share different perspectives, seek common understanding, and promote initiatives that pertain to adoption.
Application in process for 6.0 CEU hours by the National Association of Social Workers - Louisiana. (See link in left column under Calendar).
EVERYTHING TO ME (Music)
“This DVD has the music video for the adoption song “Everything to Me” by Christian artist Mark Schultz and includes [in the next 4 min. section] an interview about his personal adoption story. This emotional video speaks to everyone involved in an adoption, the birthmother, adoptive parents and the child.”
LETTING GO (VIDEO 15 min.)
Letting Go examines difficult questions facing birthparents and shows how one of the toughest decisions imaginable can be the most loving one for you and your baby.
- How did they feel when they first discovered that they were pregnant?
- What went into their decision to make an adoption plan?
- What are some of the choices that were available to them?
- How did they deal with the sense of loss, even though it was their choice?
Birthparents who have made an adoption plan for their children can help you understand the range of emotions and experiences that they had through the adoption process.
Adoption: A Positive Option
Catholic Social Services offers open adoption between birth parents and adoptive parents. The birth mother can choose the couple, exchange letters, receive pictures of the baby, and have on-going direct contact with the adoptive couple/her birth child. Our agency provides orientation classes, group meetings, domestic home studies, and supervisory home visits. Our domestic adoptions are Caucasian, African-American and Bi-Racial infants. Listed below are the requirements for prospective adoptive couples:
- Residents of the Diocese of Lafayette or Diocese of Lake Charles
- Married for minimum three years and unable to have children or have one child and unable to have more children
- Maximum age of 40 and minimum age of 24
- Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Couple must be physically and emotionally healthy
- Financial stability and sufficient income to maintain a family
- History of consistent, stable employment
- Must have a strong Christian faith and be active in their church (Catholic or Protestant)
- All applicants must have police clearances to screen for any criminal history, child abuse, or domestic violence
The Office of Social Services provides services to all people whose lives are touched by an unplanned pregnancy and to advocate and educate that adoption is a selfless, loving choice.
Left: Adoptive family with birth family / Grew up in open adoption / Born / Adopted in 1988
"And He (Jesus) took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them."- Mark 10:16