Adopting a Child...?

Question

What is the adoption process in Texas? I need details like how old do I have to be? How much do I have to pay? What questions I will be asked? What kind of paperwork will I have to go through?

Answer 1

I believe it will vary by what kind of agency you use.  Every agency will have their own guidelines.  You need to figure out if you want an infant, baby from a foreign country, older baby, foster care child, etc.  Then, pick an agency to make an appointment with or at least a phone call and start asking questions.  You may be able to locate a local support group as well that you could attend and get information from.  I'm sure at the least some home visits would be involved.

Answer 2

If you are interested in adopting a "Child" and considering adoption a foster child or being a foster adopt parent the best place to start is:

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protec...

After that it's a good idea to find out about local training classes and adoptive parents support groups and attend what you can.

There are also a lot of online forums, blogs and support sites for Adoptive Parents.

Answer 3

that requires a lengthy answer. Contact an agency and tell them your instr in adoption and you will find out all you need to know. Some Agency like Gladney, offer seminars in it on the week end

Answer 4

You'll have to go through what's called a home study, which includes a background check, financial disclosure (you don't have to be rich, they just want to ensure adopting a child isn't going to put you in the poorhouse), an inspection of your home (again, you don't have to live in a mansion, but typically the baby has to have it's own room), things like that.

I believe you have to be at least 21 years old to adopt, but this can vary depending on which agency you go through. Also with the cost, it depends on which agency you use, or if you decide to go through the foster care system, or do a private adoption. There is a federal tax credit of about $11,000 that you'll begin to get in the tax year that the adoption is final (so you'll have to have the money to pay for the adoption upfront). And you only get back as much money each year as you would have owed in federal taxes. You have 5 years to use the whole credit.