Louisianna Adoption Information by Aborn

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This correspondence is in response to your letter in which we received from your organization requesting information regarding the Louisiana Reunion Registry. The Louisiana Voluntary Adoption Reunion Registry was established in accordance with ACT 40 of the 1982 Legislative Session in order to facilitate contact between consenting adoptees and birth parents in Louisiana adoptions. It is a passive match registry meaning that no attempt is made by the registry to contact the party being sought. We have enclosed our pamphlet, "Opening Doors to the Past", that explains the registry.

Should the adoptee need assistance in locating their placement agency and court they may supply us with the necessary information and we will respond to them so they may obtain their non-identifying information.

The person registering must complete the affidavit (typewritten for handwritten) to the extent possible and have it notarized along with the $25.00 fee. They submit their paperwork and it will be processed, if the registry has a match they will be notified to complete the mandatory counseling form.

If the person lives out of state we recommend that they contact their nearest licensed adoption agency that can provide the mandatory counseling requirements and serve as the intermediary in case of a match. By law we cannot accept this form if it is not completed by a licensed social worker or a worker employed by a licensed adoption agency.

The Louisiana Adoption Reunion Registry is a registry established by the Department of Social Services to serve adult adoptees, birth parents, and siblings of adult adoptees. All registrants must be over the age of 18. If both the adoptee and one birth parent or sibling is registered a "match" between the adoptee, birth parent, or sibling may result in a reunion.

You may register if your adoption, your child's adoption or your siblings adoption was finalized in the State of Louisiana.

DSS will protect your privacy if you do not wish to be reunite dwith your birth parents, adopted child or sibling.

Contact the registry at (225) 342-9922 or 1-800-259-2456 and request a Lousiana Adoption Reunion Registry packet. The packet includes an affidavit which shall be notarized and a counseling form which shall be completed by a licensed Social Worker or a social worker employed by a licensed adoption agency. If there is a match, before the reunion may occur, one hour of counseling at the expense of the registrant concerning reunion issues is required.

The affidavit and a check or money order for $25.00 made out to the lousiana Adoption Reunion Registry should be returned to the address shown. Once registered, a participant remains registered indefinitely, unless withdrawn by a written request.

The counseling form must be completed prior to a reunion. It can be returned at the time of registration, or may be completed at the time the "match" is made. You will be notified if there is a match and asked to complete the counseling requirements if you have not yet done so.

If you move, it is essential that you notify the registry of your new address and telephone number.

If a match is made, DSS will contact the adult adoptee's couselor and request that the counselor arrange the reunion.

No. The Louisiana Adoption Reunion Registry is a "passive" match registry and does not search. All reunions through the registry are by a voluntary mutual consent.

No. Only adopted adults, birth parents, and siblings of the adoptee may register.

If you are an adopted adult and DSS had the knowledge that your parent is deceased, you will be told once you complete the registry process.