DCFS: Sixty-four children in region are up for adoption

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA (KPLC) - How many children right here in Southwest Louisiana are in need of families?

You've heard some of the stories of children waiting to find their forever families.

"Approximately 64 children in the five-parish region are currently free for an adoption," said Stephanie Duplechain, child welfare supervisor for the Department of Children and Family Services.

Of those, four are infants, 13 are young children and 19 are between the ages of 5 and 9 years old.

But the largest group is pre-teens and teenagers.

Duplechain said there's a pre-conceived idea that teenagers are more difficult, but she has seen their success stories first-hand.

"We've had a family who adopted a teenager when she was 18. She was 18 and her siblings were all teenagers - there were three of them. They adopted the whole sibling group to keep them in the same family," she said.

Though not a requirement, Duplechain suggested families strongly considering adoption to become foster families first.

"We work with the families who, you know once they start the process, we guide them through the process very carefully because it's a big decision-making step that they are making for their families," she said.

The Department of Children and Family Services welcomes all families who are willing to open their hearts to children.

"Dire need at all times for all types of families for children from all races, ethnic backgrounds, sexes and ages 0-17," Duplechain said.

While there are 64 children without families right now, more children are constantly in need of loving homes.

If you are considering fostering or adopting, Duplechain and the staff at the Department of Children and Family Services would love to share more information with you.

For information, click HERE.

Copyright 2016 KPLC. All rights reserved.