African American Infant Adoption in Texas
Many couples chose to build a family through adoption. In Texas, there are various requirements for adopting an African American infant, which is possible through a private adoption agency or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
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Adoption Requirements
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In order to adopt an African American infant in Texas, you must be at least 21 years of age. You can be married or single, and you can be a race other than African American. You must also be able to demonstrate maturity and responsibility, as well as financial stability, according to the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange. Further, you must also be comfortable sharing information about your lifestyle and interests. The process includes training, criminal history and child abuse background checks and completion of a home study, in order to prove your ability to care for a child.
Private Adoption
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In Texas, private adoption agencies, such as Caring Adoptions and Catholic Family Services, Inc., work with the Department of Family & Protective Services to help you adopt a child. Each agency has specific requirements that you must meet. Although the cost for private adoptions can range from $5,000 to $35,000, you may be able to receive adoption services from these agencies for free.
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DFPS Adoptions
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Another option for adopting an African American infant is directly through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The process for these types of adoptions begins with attending an information session and filing an application, along with meeting the basic state requirements. You can become a licensed foster parent by meeting additional requirements, including more in-depth training and CPR, and when appropriate, adopt a child whose permanceny plan is for adoption, according to the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange. When going this route, however, you should keep in mind that a foster parent's primary responsibility is always to keep the child's best interest at heart, and thus, foster care often involves working with the birth family towards reunification.
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- Photo Credit mom and baby together image by studio vision1 from Fotolia.com
