Wherever you are in your adoption journey, whether you are just starting to research adoption or have already decided that you’re ready for the first step, you likely have questions about how it works. The thought may seem daunting, but the adoption process doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming.
At the Texas Adoption Center, we want to help make your adoption journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, so we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know about how to start the adoption process.
What You Need to Know About Starting the Adoption Process
Adopting a child is a big decision, but it’s also an exciting one. If you’re thinking about getting started, here are 11 things you need to know:
1. Adoption is a legal process.
The first thing you need to know about adoption is that it is a legal process. This means that there are certain paperwork and steps that need to be followed for everything to be done correctly and lawfully.
2. It can take some time.
Adding a new member to your family through adoption takes time. Although there are ways to speed up the process, it’s important to be prepared for it to take several months or even longer.
3. You will need to meet certain requirements.
To be eligible to adopt, you will need to meet certain requirements set by the state in which you live. These requirements may include factors like being over a certain age, being financially stable, and having a clean record.
4. The cost of adoption can vary.
Adopting a child can be costly, but there are ways to offset the cost. Some employers offer adoption benefits, and there are also tax credits and grants available.
5. You will need to choose an adoption agency or attorney.
An adoption agency and/or attorney can help you navigate the legal process and provide support throughout your journey. It is important to choose one that you feel comfortable with and that you can trust.
6. You need to complete a home study.
An important part of the adoption process is the home study, which is required for you to be approved as an adoptive parent. The home study involves things like a background check, financial stability assessment, and home visit. The goal is to make sure that you are ready and able to provide a safe and loving home for a child.
7. You will need to create an adoption profile.
Your adoption profile is how expectant mothers will learn about you and decide if you’re the right family for their child. Your profile should include things like your personal story, your interests and hobbies, and photos of your family.
8. You need to wait for a match.
Once you have created your adoption profile, you will need to wait for a match with an expectant mother. This can be a time of anxious waiting, but it’s important to trust in the process and know that the right match will come along when the time is right.
9. You must complete an adoption placement agreement.
Once you have been matched with an expectant mother, you will need to complete an adoptive match agreement. This agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties during the pregnancy and after the child is born.
10. You will travel for the birth and adoptive placement.
In most cases, you will need to travel to meet the expectant mother and/or to be present for the child’s birth, depending on whether it is an open or closed adoption. This can add some extra expense to the adoption, but it is important to be there for such an important moment. In Texas, a minimum of 48 hours must pass after the child is born in order for the relinquishment of parental rights to be signed by the birth parents. Prospective adoptive parents will sign an agreement for placement and supervision to take placement of the child.
11. You must finalize the adoption.
After the post-placement supervision period is complete, you need to finalize the adoption through the court system. This can be done with the help of an attorney and a qualified agency, and it usually takes a few months to complete.
How Texas Adoption Center Can Help
At Texas Adoption Center, we follow a four-step process to help you get started on your adoption journey. When you get in touch with us, we will send you a free information packet that details who we are, how we can help you, eligibility requirements, and other important details.
Once you’ve submitted an inquiry, we move to the adoptive parent pre-application process and then to the pre-application review, which our team conducts at the start of every week. After your pre-application is approved, we proceed to the application and intake phase so we can get to know each other better. Once everything is in order, we joyfully move forward to presenting expectant mother cases and discussing your options.
We understand how overwhelming the adoption process can be, but our goal is to make it a positive and seamless experience for you. If you have any questions or would like more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here for you every step of the way.
