The steps of the adoption process in Texas

Adoption is a wonderful way for adults in the San Antonio area to give a child in need a loving and supportive home. Those who are interested in adoption will want to familiarize themselves with the steps in the adoption process.

1. The orientation meeting. The adoption process may start with an orientation meeting. Orientation meetings give potential adoptive parents a chance to get more information about the agency’s program, services and requirements.
2. The application, home study and background check. The next step in the adoption process is submitting an application, after which a home study and a background check will be conducted. This gives the adoption agency an opportunity to better know the potential adoptive parent and ensure that their home will meet the child’s needs. The potential adoptive parents may also be given training and support from the adoption agency.
3. Matching. Next, potential adoptive parents will be matched with a child. To do so, they may enter into a contract with the adoptive agency. Some adoptions are “open” adoptions, meaning the adoptive parents and the child’s biological parents know and keep in touch with each other. However, some adoptions are “closed” adoptions, meaning the adoptive parent has general information about the child’s biological parents but does not know the identity of the child’s biological parents and does not have a relationship with them.
4. Placement. After that, the child will be placed with the potential adoptive parents. This is a period of time in which the child will live with the potential adoptive parents, but the adoptive agency will keep in touch with the potential adoptive parents to ensure the placement is a good match.
5. Finalization. Finally, the adoption will be finalized. Each state, including Texas, has certain requirements that must be met for the adoption to be finalized. It can help to have an attorney during this process. The adoptive agency will also give adoptive parents counseling after the finalization of the adoption.

This is only a brief overview of the adoption process in Texas and does not contain legal advice. Each family’s situation is different, and ultimately it is important to ensure adoptive parents meet the necessary requirements to successive adopt a child, and it is important that the adoption is in the child’s best interests.