Adoption Process in Texas
Adoption procedures in Texas aim to provide stable homes for children and legal rights for their adoptive parents. Texas courts consider each adoption's merits individually, though all adoptions must meet legally-mandated requirements.
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Eligible Children
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Determine the child's eligibility for adoption. State and private adoption agencies provide proof of parental rights termination. According to family law specialists Slater Kennon & Jameson, children must be 2 years old if only one parent's rights have been terminated. The child lives with the adoptive parents for at least six months before finalizing the adoption.
Screening
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The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services reports that adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old, pass an in-depth home study and show financial stability. All family members 14 or older must pass a criminal background and abuse/neglect history check. If the couple is married, both spouses must request the adoption.
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Placement Agency
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The adoption agency or person placing the child prepares a report with all available information on his health, genetic, education and social history, including any abuse, and makes it available to prospective adopters. The report does not contain information that identifies the biological parents.
The Court's Role
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The court ensures all legal requirements are met and issues an adoption order creating a parent-child relationship with full legal rights. Reaffirming a foreign adoption in Texas state court prevents difficulties with documentation.
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References
- Photo Credit baby image by andrey polichenko from Fotolia.com
