VIDALIA — Lots of people have heard the horrors of trying to adopt a child overseas — the long waiting periods, the expenses — but many don’t realize how easy it is to adopt a child right here at home.

According to the Louisiana Department of Social Services, there are currently 185 cases of children who need a home in Louisiana. Many of those cases involve siblings.

Shelia Bacen, a social worker at the Region Seven Office of Community Services, said while there some fees associated with the process, adoption through the state is virtually free.

The process of adoption is fairly easy, she said.

The adopting parties must complete 10 sessions of training, and all adults living in the home must clear a state and FBI criminal records check.

Parents have to be cleared through the state central registry for child abuse and neglect, and must provide references.

Finally, parents must participate in individual home study.

Even if one doesn’t feel they can dedicate themselves to adoption, the foster parenting program offers them a chance to give a child a temporary home.

Foster family care is the temporary placement of a child in a home until a more permanent situation can be arranged for the child — usually an adoption or a return to their family.

There are about 5,500 children in the Louisiana foster care system.

Requirements to be a foster parent include:

4Be 21 years or older.

4Have adequate space for a child.

4Be financially stable.

4Own or rent adequate housing.

4Have adequate transportation.

4Be in good physical or mental health.

4Have the ability to work as a team with agency social workers, the child’s family and other service providers.

4Have the ability to understand and support the child’s parents.

For more information, call 1-800-814-1585.