Each year, Texas produces high rates of adoptions. In 2019, the state surpassed 6,000 adopted children. Over the past decade, Texas has seen a 25% increase in adoptions making that the highest number it’s ever been, and for the first time, the number of children entering the system is lower than those leaving it for a loving home. With such a high success rate, the path to adoption is made more efficient.
The adoption process is generally the same nationwide, but adoption laws will differ state-to-state. Texas is a perfect example of this as they house some laws that make the process a bit different from other states.
Looking to adopt in Texas? Here’s what you need to know:
Adoption Laws in Texas
A great place for potential adoptive parents to start is to do research on Texas adoption laws to better understand how the adoption process works and what to expect when beginning that journey.
The Department of Family and Protective Services in Texas requires potential adopters to be at least 21 years of age, have a stable source of income, show stability and maturity, complete a background check not only on yourself, but any adults living in the home, provide references, complete an application for adoption, and attend a free training to learn about key issues surrounding abused and neglected children.
As a safety precaution to prevent child trafficking, and to ensure the health and safety of children getting adopted, any out-of-state potential adopters seeking adoption in the state are also required to submit to a criminal check in Texas.
For couples seeking to adopt, the amount of paperwork and legal knowledge can be overwhelming. That is why it is important to hire the help of an adoption attorney. To learn more and to get a detailed look into how Texas treats different types of adoption laws, visit here.
Different Types of Adoption
After committing to adoption, the next step is to consider what type of adoption would suit you best. Many different forms exist and it’s important to research the path that would suit you and your family best. Some factors to consider are whether or not you would prefer an infant or an older child, adopting internally or domestically, and whether or not you would prefer an open adoption or not.
The type of adoption you follow will help determine what type of agency you should work with. Most agencies will specialize in a particular form of adoption like foster-care children and international adoptions, so it’s important to know what you want and discern what place would suit your needs best before jumping in and picking the first agency you come into contact with.
Picking the Right Adoption Professional
Just how each adoption agency is different in what type of adoption it can offer, the same goes for adoption professionals and the services they provide. This is why it is important to extensively research potential adoption agencies, what they specialize in, and what services extend to get a better idea if they line up with your needs and expectations.
Hundreds of adoption agencies and adoption attorneys exist in Texas and because of this, the adoption process can seem overwhelming. This is why putting in the time and effort to explore and understand adoption options is important.
Completing A Home Study
A home study is where an adoption caseworker visits your home and conducts an interview with prospective parents. This process will help determine if the parent or parents are fit for adoption. The study will require completed background checks, a home inspection, and discussions of childcare experience and lifestyle. This is done to see if the potential adoptive home is fit for the child.
A home study is required whether the adoption is domestic, international, or through foster care. It is a process that helps safeguard the child and is a security measure that attempts to eliminate child trafficking across state lines and to ensure the well being and safety of adoptive children.
The Waiting Period
Once all of the necessary steps are taken, then adoption agencies will typically send you through a waiting period where they will reach out to potential birth mothers, share with them your profile, and have them review it before making a decision.
This part of the process can be lengthy as well as emotional so it’s important to keep positive and maintain realistic expectations. It’s understandable to get excited when something you’ve been waiting for is almost within reach, but it’s important for the mental health and well-being of all involved to exercise patience with the process.
Completing The Adoption
Once a birth mother has chosen you to be the child’s adoptive parents, your adoption professional will notify you. Depending on the type of adoption preferred, some communication and interactions may occur between you and the birth mother. Any communication between the birth mother and adoptive parents will be mediated by your adoption professional.
In Texas it is standard procedure for the birth mother to wait a period of 48 hours after giving birth before terminating her parental rights. Once she consents to adoption, her parental rights are gone.
After that point, the child will be placed in your custody. When the adoption is finalized, you may gain legal parental rights.
Before an adoption becomes finalized, adoptive parents should expect to complete some important steps like: waiting for your ICPC paperwork to be cleared if you’re adopting across state lines, completing post-placement visits, and attending a finalization hearing. A finalization hearing occurs when a judge ensures all legal needs are met and gives the green light for potential parents to be able to successfully adopt.
Hire An Adoption Attorney
There are many important factors in the adoption process, but before a parent begins their adoptive journey, it is important to understand how adoption laws work and your rights as potential parents. Contact us today for a free consultation.
