Adoptees can learn how to get their original birth certificate from the state.
Get info on upcoming adoption conferences and events in Louisiana.
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
Join Our Seminar Exploring
Adopted Persons' Search For Information
Register now for the free event.
It’s never been easier for adopted persons to gain information about their birth
families. DNA testing is common. In Louisiana, adult adopted persons can access
their original birth certificates.
Yet, those who search and find their birthfamilies still face many complex emotions and practical issues. A free, open-to-all educational program presented by the Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board (LAAB) explores these issues.
Adoption Unsealed will be from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Baton Rouge Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. The program will present a documentary, For The Life Of Me, followed by a panel discussion led by adoption experts, adoptees and birthparents. The program is presented during National Adoption Month, held annually to raise awareness of adoption issues.
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Designed for adopted persons, birthparents, adoptive parents adoption professionals and anyone interested in exploring adoption issues, the
event aims to help ease the search process and understand the complex emotions involved. Social workers attending can receive three continuing education credits, pending approval by accrediting bodies.
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The event is free, but attendees must register in advance on Eventbrite.
There is a $10 fee for CEU attendees. To learn more, contact us.
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Filmmaker Jean Strauss’s documentary For The Life Of Me tells the
story of two older adopted persons searching for their birthfamilies. Viewing
adoption as a lifelong issue, the film touches on the deeeply felt
emotions of adoptees and the growing number of ways they can
search and find info.
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LAAB's Own Paula Davis Honored
LAAB Board Member Paula Davis, MSW, LCSW-BACS, was honored Nov. 2 as 2023 Adoption Advocate of the Year by the state Department of Children and Family Services. Davis is Field Education Liaison at LSU School of Social Work. Congratulating Davis above are LAAB board members, from left, Della Pressler, Cheryl Tirado, Linda Woods and Barbara Barach.
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​State Law Helps Unite
Adoptees, Birth Parents
Check out the full story on nola.com. ​​​​​
​April 12, 2023--LAAB President Della Pressler displays her original birth certificate. She is one of about 1,000 Louisiana adoptees who have requested their certificates since access was granted last year. Below LAAB Board Members attend a celebration for the new law at the state capital, presented by the Louisiana Coalition for Adoption Reform. From left are Linda Easterlin, Pressler, Linda Woods and Barbara Barach.
Adoptees Can Now Get
Their Original Birth Certificate
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Here's a link to the form to request your certificate
Read the webpage with info about the process
The new state law allowing Louisiana adoptees over age 24 access to their original birth certificate went into effect Aug. 1, 2022. This major step forward in adoptee rights makes it possible for adoptees to get previously hidden information about their origins.
Louisiana is now one of 13 states that allow adoptees access to their original birth certificates.
When an adoption is finalized, the state issues a new revised, official birth certificate with the adoptive parents’ names. The adoptee’s original or pre-adoption birth certificate, which lists the birthparents’ names and information, is then placed in a sealed file. This document is now available to adoptees upon request.
What’s the process? Step one is visiting the page on the state website which provides instructions. The link to this page is above.
This page contains a form, which adoptees must print, fill out and mail in. A link to this form is above. The form must be signed and submitted by mail with a non-refundable $15.50 fee and copy of your ID. Online requests are not available.
The new law also contains a provision for birthparents who placed a child in adoption in Louisiana. There’s a new Contact Preference Form, also linked above, which allows them to note whether they would or would not like to be contacted by their biological child. This form will be given to adoptees requesting their original birth certificate.
This form is designed to be a private communication between birthparent and child. It’s important to note that the law does not require adoptees to follow the preference stated on the form. Adoptees may request their original birth certificate even if their birthparents have not filed this form.
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Help Is Available
LAAB, as a nonprofit statewide resource for the adoption community, is available to help. Contact us if you have questions about accessing your original birth certificate, or if you got your certificate and wonder what to do next. Our members are adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents. We have long experience in dealing with the complex issues of adoption.
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Things To Know
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. Obviously, the new state law applies only to adoptees born in Louisiana.
. The original birth certificate is available only to the adoptee. Other family members may not request it.
. The birth certificate issued with the adoptive parents’ names is still the adoptees’ legal birth certificate.
. Documentation is needed if the adoptee’s current name on their ID does not match the name on their revised birth certificate. If you’ve changed your name through marriage or other situations, you must provide a copy of the marriage certificate or legal name change document.
. There is an option for adoptees who have no access to a printer. Adoptees can write a letter containing the requested information and send it to the state. Instructions are on the webpage.
. Payment may be made through checks and money orders only. These should be payable to Louisiana Vital Records.
Here is the department's contact info.
Louisiana Vital Records
Attn: Pre-Adoption Certificates
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
For more information, call (504) 593-5100.
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It's Official!
Governor Signs Access To Original Birth Certificate Bill
June 24, 2022--Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed HB 450, giving adopted persons born in Louisiana the right to access their original birth certificates once they reach age 24. The law takes effect Aug. 1. This is a giant step forward for adoptees' rights, and LAAB helped lead the statewide campaign to ensure its passage.
The legislature passed the bill with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. The bill was introduced by Rep. Charles Owen, an adoptee from Rosepine. Thanks to all who joined us in contacting legislators and encouraging passage.
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Watch a clip from social media capturing the reaction of LAAB members and other adoption-rights supporters as the Senate passes HB 450.
Read HB 450.
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Check out news coverage of the bill and LAAB members' advocacy from WWL-TV Aug. 1 by Alex Tirado, LAIlluminator June 23, Advocate March 25, LAIlluminator March 25, Advocate March 28, WAFB, LAIlluminator March 29, LAIlluminator March 24 and Advocate March 21.​​​
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For 50 Years, I Was Denied
the Story of My Birth
All adoptees deserve better. By Steve Inskeep
Inskeep, a co-host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Up First,” is an adoptee and an adoptive father.
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LAAB Celebrates Another Year
Of Adoption Advocacy
The Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board (LAAB) gathered Dec. 18, 2024 for our annual holiday luncheon, celebrating another year advocating for all members of the adoption triad. Current and former board members include, from left, Karen Babin, Janice Allen, Della Pressler, Linda Woods, Kent Gonsoulin, Linda Easterlin, Lori DeBenedetto-Webb and Barbara Barach.
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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 Stewrt's FX series.
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Birth Parents Have A Support Group
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 Karen Babin to learn more.
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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.
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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 Karen Babin to learn more.
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