Desktop folders are not staying in place

If you can provide a bit more detail that might be helpful.

Meanwhile, if need be you can set the Sort by: and Arrange by: settings for your Mac desktop. And you can use Stacks to help with desktop organization of your files and folders.

Ways to organize files on your Mac desktop - Apple Support

Use desktop stacks on Mac - Apple Support (CA)

Click the desktop then press command-J (⌘J).

Follow up-

It occurred to me that there is also a Finder setting that will force folders to be placed above all other files in Finder windows and on the desktop. Find that at Finder > Settings > Advanced tab.

You may need to adjust the grid spacing and icon size. Also using "snap to grid" on or off may help.