Prospective
Parents

Interested in Fostering or Adopting? We can’t wait to connect with you!

A couple sitting with their kids

Who Can Foster & Adopt?

DePelchin’s families come in all shapes and sizes. They are single or married, same-sex or traditional, working or retired. They are renters or homeowners, have children of their own or no parenting experience. What they all share is a genuine desire to care for children and the ability to provide a safe and loving home. To foster and adopt a child, prospective parents should meet the following minimum requirements:

*To be licensed through DePelchin, you must live within 80 miles of the following locations: Houston, Austin, Lubbock and San Antonio.

A photo of a couple holding their adopted kids and a lady hugging a young girl

The Path to Becoming a
Foster or Adoptive Parent

The process of becoming a foster and adoptive parent with DePelchin typically lasts between three and six months and includes these five steps below. Hover over a milestone step in the process to see more details.

Step 1 - Participate in an informational orientation

Step 2 - Submit a complete application and other documentation

Step 3 - Complete the required trauma-informed training program

Step 4 - Participate in a home study

Step 5 - Receive approval to be a verified foster or approved adoptive parent

Step 1 - Participate in an informal orientation

Step 2 - Submit a complete application and other documentation

Step 3 - Complete the required trauma-informed training program

Step 4 - Participate in a home study

Step 5 - Receive approval to be a verified foster or approved adoptive parent

The Path to Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent

The process of becoming a foster and adoptive parent with DePelchin typically lasts between three and six months and includes these five steps:

Step 1
Participate in an informal orientation
Step 2
Submit a complete application and other documentation
Step 3
Complete the required trauma-informed training program
Step 4
Participate in a home study
Step 5
Receive approval to be a verified foster or approved adoptive parent

Myths About Foster Care

Myth

I need to be rich to be a foster parent.

Truth

Foster parents come from all income levels.

Myth

I have to be married to be a foster parent.

Truth

Foster parents can be married, single, widowed or divorced.

Myth

I can't be a foster parent if I work full-time.

Truth

Foster parents can work full-time, part-time or stay at home.

Myth

I have to own a home to be a foster parent.

Truth

Foster parents can renters or homeowners, live in an apartment or home.

Myth

Each foster child needs a room of their own.

Truth

Foster children only require a bed of their own.

Myth

I have no control over which children I am asked to foster.

Truth

While you cannot choose the specific children you foster, you can specify an age range and gender you prefer. Children over the age of 10 and sibling groups are the children most in need.

Orientations

Due to the similar nature of the application processes, orientations for foster care and adoption are combined. To learn more and view our virtual informational orientation sessions, please click the button below.

Contact Us

We are here to help. If you have specific questions about foster care and/or adoption, please email gettingstarted@depelchin.org.

A lady and her adopted son a embracing

Supporting Families Through Their Journey

Foster and adoptive families receive an array of services and supports from the state including health and dental coverage for children, WIC Benefits,  and in-state college tuition. DePelchin families also have access to: