Confidentiality Policy

In the case of an adoptive placement, exceptions to confidentiality include the following:

1. Louisiana law requires the naming of any known or alleged father(s) of the child being placed for adoption, and he must be notified by the agency and/or court of the adoption plan to see if he chooses to deny paternity, participate in the plan, or oppose the plan.  This notification will include the birthmother's name and expected delivery, or actual date of delivery, and the child's name.
2. The doctor and treatment team at the hospital where the child will be born will be advised of the adoption plan, if known in advance, to include identifying information for all parties (birth parents and adopting parents).
3. Administrative oversight of all adoptive placements in Louisiana is through the Department of Children and Family Services and the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (if applicable).  These entities will require identifying information about birth parents and adopting parents to complete administrative requirements.
4. Depending on level of openness between birth parents and adopting parents, parties may choose to release information directly or through the agency.
5. In the event of a court action involving the adoption, a court may subpoena the case record.
6. In any case, whether placement is made or not, if there is any false information presented, or any indication of fraud on the part of any client, identifying and case information will be released to the police, court, and investigating authorities.