Why PLACED
The Name
Adoption is not “giving up.” We used the phrase “PLACED” in adoption to emphasize the proactive and thoughtful process involved in making one of the most significant life decisions one can face. “Placing” is an action that involves intent – the intent to provide a child with a stable and loving home when they are unable to do so. It acknowledges the responsible and caring act of entrusting a child’s future to adoptive parents who are prepared to provide the care, support, and nurturing environment necessary for the child’s well-being.
The Need
PLACED was born from a recognition of a need in our community and the desire to meet that need with care and experience. Louisiana passed legislation as far back as 2006 requiring schools to teach adoption awareness. The statute was expanded in 2011 and again in 2022 (click here for the most recent requirements).
In 2024, under the “Let Teachers Teach” legislation, Act 686 repealed SEVENTEEN existing statutes that required particular topics to be taught in Health, such as adoption education, CPR, eating disorders, substance abuse, etc. The Act then directs the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to adopt policies that require the inclusion of certain topics in student instruction AND directs them to consider all requirements repealed by proposed legislation for inclusion in the requirements it may provide for by rule. In other words, it simply changes the creation of educational requirements from the State Legislature to the Board of Education. HOWEVER, BESE is not set to update Health standards until the 2026-2027 school year.
In the meantime, Health standards for public schools still require education on adoption proceedings and the Safe Haven Law. But to cover these effectively, more background knowledge is required than what is available in Health textbooks. That’s where PLACED comes in!
We aim to meet and exceed these state standards with an exceptional educational program that honors all parts of the adoption triad - adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents.
The Presenter
KATE MUSSO MIGUES
Kate Migues is a passionate and dedicated educator, a certified teacher with a wealth of knowledge and 15 years of experience teaching high school students. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is also a loving adoptive mom of two, committed to providing a nurturing and supportive home for her children. In addition to her teaching credentials, Kate has completed over 50 hours in specialized adoption education training, further enhancing her expertise and ensuring that she delivers the highest quality presentations and workshops in her areas of expertise. Her unique combination of teaching prowess, parenting experience, and continuous learning make her a dynamic and relatable presenter, capable of inspiring and educating audiences from all walks of life.