CALL:
504-885-1141
The Adoption Services of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO), is a non-profit adoption agency licensed by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. CCANO has provided adoption services since the early 1900s and continues in its commitment to serving families created through adoption as well as other maternity and adoption-related services. The agency provides services to families of all faiths.
An Application to Adopt will be included with the home study packet to begin the home study process. The application should be completed and returned as soon as possible.
The non-refundable home study fee is due at the first scheduled home visit meeting.
The home study usually takes place over four meetings (2 in the adoption program office and 2 in the family home). This is an informal time for discussion and education related to the goal of adoption placement.
The 4 meetings include the following:
These 2 meetings include discussions with families as a couple and as individuals. The individual meetings are relaxed discussions about the information provided in the autobiography guide as well as plans for the family.
These 2 meetings include a tour of the family home including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, general living areas, as well as a home safety assessment.
As part of the adoption home study, additional paperwork is required and forms will be provided for completion.
Copies of birth certificates, marriage/divorce certificates, and driver’s licenses are provided to the agency.
The autobiography guide will assist in writing your life – story. We ask that this information not be handwritten. We provide a guide for you to complete.
A medical form will be provided for your physician to complete for each family member.
Several criminal clearances are necessary to complete:
Child Abuse Clearance through the Department of Children and Family Services
A summary of the family’s financial summary as well as a copy of the most recent W-2 or a recent check stub to verify employment and income.
A minimum of 5 personal references will be contacted to provide information regarding your family as it relates to adoption.
There will be other forms to be completed as part of the home study process and these will be provided as required.
The home study is a time to further discuss a family’s interest in adoption, infertility issues, and the ability to provide for a child’s physical and emotional development. The approved home study can be released to another agency or adoption placement resource with the completion of a Release of Information.
Applicants may be able to take a tax credit/refund for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child (including a child with special needs). Qualifying expenses may include adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, traveling expenses while away from home, etc. See www.irs.gov for additional information.
If requested, the Adoption Services of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans can provide post-placement services. Each state has specific guidelines in regard to the number of visits and length of time for post-placement/post-adoption services. Each visit is $150 per visit and is paid at the time of the visit.
If requested, the Adoption Services of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans can assist the adoptive family with referrals for retaining legal counsel for the adoption finalization.
For further information:
Danna P. Cousins, LCSW-BACS
Program Director
Adoption Services
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
4200 S. I-10 Service Rd. W., Ste. 124
Metairie, LA 70002
504-885-1141
Email: dcousins@ccano.org