THE ADOPTION PROCESS

Caring Adoptions takes the confusion out of adoption. As part of Caring Adoptions’ mission, we work to identify and educate prospective parents.  Adoptive Parents are introduced to domestic adoption in our free “Adoption 101” information sessions for prospective Adoptive Parents. As an alternative, you can choose a one-on-one consultation with Caring Adoptions’ Family Coordinator.

Caring Adoptions offers open, semi-open, and closed adoptions, as well as designated adoptions.  Regardless of the type of adoption or location of the parties, Caring Adoptions works with you to manage the full adoption process. Interstate adoptions must be approved through the Interstate Compact for placement of children in both states.  The Staff of Caring Adoptions has extensive experience in case management, which includes meeting Interstate Compact requirements and coordinating with agencies or adoption attorneys in the corresponding states.  Caring Adoptions works with both the Birth Family and Adoptive Parents to meet legal requirements in both states.

DOMESTIC ADOPTION OVERVIEW

A domestic adoption results from Adoptive Parents being matched with a Birthmother living in Texas or another state. The Adopting Family may be in attendance or at the hospital during the birthing process if the Birthmother wishes. In most instances, the child is initially placed with the Adoptive Parents directly from the hospital. In special situations, the child may spend a short time in “Cradle Care” with a foster family verified under Caring Adoptions’ license.

Caring Adoptions can match prospective adoptive parents with a Birthmother enrolled in our program, or prospective Adoptive Parents can locate their own Birthmother. Prospective Adoptive Parents find Birthmothers through networking, advertising, or working with out of state attorneys and birthparent-matching organizations.

Caring Adoptions is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and handles Domestic Adoptions in Texas.  If both the Adopting Parents and Birthmother are located in Texas, Caring Adoptions facilitates the entire adoption process.  When only one party is located in Texas, we work with licensed agencies or adoption attorneys in the corresponding state.

Below are some of the items that Caring Adoptions can assist you with.

Negotiated Adoption Options: Options for families adopting domestically vary. Adoptions can be open, semi-open, closed or designated.

• Open — Complete identifying information exchanged; on-going contact both pre- and post-placement
• Semi-open – Some identifying information shared; meet either pre-delivery or at hospital; direct communication following placement as discussed between both parties; on-going exchange of pictures and letters, usually through the agency
• Closed – No identifying information shared; no contact before or after adoption; no on-going information of child shared
• Designated – Birthmother independently selects Adoptive Parents

Home Study: All adoptions must begin with the preparation of a home study. Caring Adoptions prepares all documentation necessary for a domestic adoption in the State of Texas. The home study, a basic document of adoption required by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, must be completed before placement can occur. Caring Adoptions closely follows Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Minimum Standards for the home study process, including joint and individual interviews by a licensed social worker during the visit to your home.

Birthparent Documents: Caring Adoptions will prepare Birthparent documents, secure the signature of the Birthmother on relinquishment documents and addresses Birthfather rights. The agency then follows through with the termination of parental rights in the Texas Family District Courts.

Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children – Adoptive Parents in Texas: An additional requirement is necessary if an Adopting Family resides in the State of Texas, and the adoption involves a child from outside the State of Texas. In these circumstances, Caring Adoptions will handle all requirements of the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children.  Each state has a monitoring agency for interstate adoptions and Caring Adoptions has experience in meeting the respective state requirements.

Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children – Adoptive Parents State Requirements Outside Texas: If the Adoptive Parents reside outside the State of Texas and the adoption involves a Texas Birthmother, Caring Adoptions will coordinate the placement of the child with the Adoptive Parents along with completing Texas’ and the receiving state’s Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children requirements.