Are you looking to become an adoptive parent in the Baton Rouge area? It’s completely understandable if current circumstances have you wondering what’s next.
Due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus, many adoptions around the world have been interrupted or delayed. If you’re considering adoption or are already in the adoption process, keep reading to understand how to best move forward in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
According to CNN, adoption systems across the globe have been seriously impacted as social distancing restrictions have led to the closure of courtrooms and clinics, and travel bans have made meetings and transfers way more difficult than normal. Unfortunately, many – if not most – international adoptions are on hold due to border closures, canceled visa applications, and other challenges.
Some families are facing complications due to enforced isolation and quarantine procedures which vary by location. Other adoptive parents are trapped somewhere in the world due to travel bans. Others just need a way to finally be united with their adoptive child when adoption systems are putting up a fight.
Adoptions from China have been especially impacted, says CNN. As if mid-June 2020, all Chinese adoptions are on hold for an indefinite period. This creates stress and uncertainty for many people trying to adopt.
Interruptions and complications are also hitting close to home in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services has an alert on their website that says that all in-person Foster Parent Orientations and Pre-service trainings have been postponed.
While some adoptions are in limbo, others are moving forward through alternative methods. CNN reports that some adoptions within the US are happening over virtual meetings.
Whatever specific challenges or roadblocks you are or aren’t facing, it’s almost guaranteed that COVID-19 will affect your adoption process in some way. But don’t panic!
What To Expect While Adopting During Covid-19
According to Popsugar, here are some of the changes couples and individuals involved in the adoption process should expect as a result of the pandemic:
- More virtual meetings vs. in-person meetings. Many meetings don’t lose their value if they are online rather than in-person. However, meetings with a child might feel impacted as in-person meetings are often thought to be more personal.
- Changes resulting from COVID-19 are also creating problems with surrogate births. Adoptive parents might not be able to go to the hospital with birth parents. Many hospitals are only allowing one additional person during births or during the baby’s stay. In other cases, adoptive parents might be prevented from being at the birth because of travel restrictions or health concerns.
- The placement process might be affected. Popsugar notes that for adoptions happening within the U.S., many adoptive parents are dealing with travel restrictions or risks resulting from COVID-19 by renting RVs to drive to pick up their adopted child.
With court dates canceled, hearings postponed, and travel restrictions changing seemingly every week, it can be hard to know how to confidently move forward with your adoption. The first step is to get help. You don’t have to figure all this out alone. In challenging times like this, it might be more essential than ever to have an adoption attorney’s assistance.
How Our Team Can Help
While the adoption process is exciting, it also brings with it many uncertainties and questions. Add a global pandemic into the mix, and it’s no wonder if you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about your adoption. As always, the legal team at Miller, Hampton, & Hilgendorf is here to help. Our Baton Rouge adoption attorneys are experienced in helping adoption cases like yours come together smoothly. With our experience handling adoption paperwork and our knowledge of both local and international adoption laws, our legal team can help you make sure your adoption goes as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Whether you’ve just decided to adopt and are looking into the Louisiana state adoption laws and requirements, or you are stuck in the middle of your adoption process because of COVID-19 restrictions, we’ve got your back!
Aside from the coronavirus, perhaps you are struggling with another legal issue in your adoption? Our attorneys are here for your best interests and the wellbeing of your adopted child. You focus on building your family, we’ll focus on navigating all the legal steps.
Don’t wait longer than necessary to bring your adopted child home. Everything might feel up in the air, but we can help you get the results you need. While you focus on creating a loving and safe environment for your adopted child, our team will help open the doors and jump through the legal hoops required to make that happen. Contact our Baton Rouge adoption attorneys today. Call 225-343-2205 or message us online.
3960 Government St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-343-2205