Adopting a child in Texas involves a number of requirements.
Adoption requirements are handled at the state level, which makes the process slightly different from state to state. Texas, for instance, has different requirements than Virginia or Rhode Island. Because adoption agencies and courts are vigilant in their screenings and proceedings, it is important to know and properly complete these requirements before petitioning for an adoption.
General Requirements
There are general requirements for adoption that are necessary not just in Texas, but throughout the United States. Anyone wanting to adopt a child must be an adult with a stable job and household. Couples must have a signature from each partner on the adoption petition. In Texas, specifically, potential adopters must be at least 21 years old. The state of Texas does not discriminate against adopters based on their nationality, race, religion or sexuality. Adopters may also be single or divorced as long as they meet the other general requirements for adoption.
Home Study
After petitioning for an adoption with a certified adoption agency, potential adopters in Texas go through a "home study" or "social study." This study is an intensive examination of the adopter that can be used for adoption agencies and courts to determine whether or not a particular person or couple is suitable to adopt. The examination begins with an assessment of the adopter's home. It is examined for cleanliness and safety as well as the amount of room that will be allocated for the adopted child. The adopter's eagerness to adopt is evaluated as well as their experience with children and their capability of affording to raise a child. For married couples, the length of the marriage is also noted in the study.
Adoption Types
There are different types of adoption, each of which may have additional requirements. International adoption, for example, becomes increasingly complicated. Texas requirements for adoption are not just taken into account, but also additional federal requirements and requirements set by the birth country of the child in question. Closed adoptions require that the adoptive parent(s) do not meet the birth parent(s) and that no information on them is exchanged other than health information. On the other hand, in open adoptions, an agreement is required between the adoptive and birth parents that state that some level of contact will be made.
Tags: adoption agencies, adoption agencies courts, agencies courts, general requirements, general requirements adoption, petitioning adoption, potential adopters