Adoption in Texas

Every child deserves a loving family and a safe home. However, there are thousands of children in Texas just waiting for their chance to be chosen by their forever families! There are also thousands of expectant birth mothers who cannot care for their infants and make the decision to seek out parents who can give their child a home.

Whether you decide to adopt from foster care or via private adoption, every child needs parents to provide love, guidance, and support. Below you will read about the different forms of adoption, what to expect during the process, and the requirements.

How to Adopt a Child in Texas

Adoption is the legal process in which a child joins a family that is different from their birth parents and is a permanent, lifelong commitment to a child who is unable to reunite with their birth family. Here’s a brief overview of the adoption process:

Attend a free informational meeting where you will receive more information about the process and ask any questions you have. You can do this through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or work with a private adoption agency who contracts with DFPS.
If you meet the basic requirements, you will be invited to meet with DFPS staff to ensure that fostering and/or adopting is right for you and your family.
Attend training classes to learn more about children in foster care, assess your strengths in parenting and boost your knowledge to meet the challenges that goes along with taking children into your home.

How to Adopt a Baby in Texas

In cases where adopting an older child via foster care is not the right fit, prospective parents may seek adopting an infant – this process is also known as “private infant adoption”. Unlike regular adoption, the adoptive parents are reviewed and selected by a birth mother before the infant is born. Although the process is unique to each family, the major steps include:

Finding a trustworthy, fully licensed private adoption agency.
Complete a home study and create a family profile for birth mothers to review.
Wait to be selected.
Have pre-placement contact with the birth parents which includes communication via phone and/or an in-person meeting with the birth parent(s). This step will only occur if all parties involved agree to an open or semi-open adoption.
Finally, once the infant is born, the birth mother must wait at least 48 hours before she is able to give consent to the adoption placement. In Texas, the birth mother has up to 10 days to revoke her consent and change her mind.

How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Child?

There is no clear answer. The cost to adopt a child in Texas can range anywhere from $0 – $40,000. The cost varies greatly based on the adoption agency you use, whether you’re adopting from inside or outside of the country, whether you adopt from foster care or via private adoption, and many other factors. Expenses typically cover many services such as home studies, counseling for the adoptive parents, managing legal documentation, facilitating communication between all parties, and more.

How to Reduce Costs Associated with Adopting a Child.

Although adoption costs can seem challenging, there are resources that can help offset expenses such as tax credits, grants, and subsidies.

Subsidies & Grants

There are many subsidies and grants that help fund projects across a range of industries – adoption included. Take some time to research and apply for available grants that will fund your dream of becoming an adoptive parent!

Tax Credits & Benefits

Adoption can be a life changing event for a child as well as their adoptive parent(s) who have the added cost of welcoming a new family member. However, tax credits and other benefits can alleviate the financial burden. One of these options includes the Federal Adoption Tax Credit which provides up to $15,950 per child to help cover adoption expenses. Each state also has additional benefits that vary and can offer financial relief to the families who might feel like adoption is unattainable.

Disqualifications to Adopt a Child in Texas

The disqualifications to adopt in Texas are:

Adults 18-20 years old. You must be at least 21 to adopt.
Mental or physical illnesses that could hinder your parental abilities and potentially put a child in danger.
A criminal history with offenses that involves violence against children, domestic violence, felony violence, or sex crimes.
Not financially stable to care for a child’s needs and your own. Some examples include not earning a regular income/frequently in between jobs or filing for bankruptcy.

What Are the Requirements for Adopting a Child in Texas?

Basic requirements include:

At least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults.
Complete an application.
Share information regarding your background, criminal history, and lifestyle.
Provide references, both relative and non-relative.
Agree to a home study that includes visits with all members of the household.
Allow background checks of yourself and all adults in the household.
Attending training to learn about the issue of abused and neglected children.

Additional requirements include:

Have adequate sleeping space.
Have no more than 6 children in the home (including biological and those you provide day care to).
Allow fire, health, and safety inspections of your home.
Vaccinate all pets in the home.
Obtain First/Aid and CPR Certification.
Obtain a TB test for self and household members.
Attend annual training sessions as required by your child placing agency.

The Benefits of Adopting a Child

Adopting a child can be a very rewarding and fulfilling experience for both the parents and child. Some benefits include:

Adoption makes it possible to raise a child for anyone who wishes to be a parent.
Legally, adoption solidifies the stability and affords parental rights that typically occurs within a biological family unit.
The child will receive eternal love that comes from having a family.
Adopting a child provides them with a stable environment that allows them to thrive in life.
Adoptive parents can provide financial resources and other forms of support that they may not have received from their birth parents.
A child who remains in foster care is less likely to form long term relationships which makes it difficult for foster children to grow socially. Adoption allows them to have meaningful, lasting relationships with others.
The parents will experience gratitude and fulfillment from helping a child in need by providing them with a positive, loving environment that they otherwise may not have received from their birth parents.