What types of adoption are available in Texas?

In Texas, adoption can be categorized into three primary types: CPS adoptions, matched adoptions, and private child placement agency adoptions. With an increase in CPS (Child Protective Services) adoptions, there’s a growing need for families open to adopting children from foster care. When the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services places children in foster care and cannot reunify them with their families, adoption becomes a likely next step. The department prioritizes placing these children with kin or relatives willing to adopt, in adherence to Texas law. This process is known as CPS adoption, with the department acting as the children’s managing conservator at the time of adoption.

Foster parents may also be considered for adoption if reunification with the biological family is not feasible. One advantage of CPS adoption is that children are legally available for adoption once parental rights have been terminated through CPS litigation. Additionally, many children in CPS adoptions may be eligible for an adoption subsidy, covering adoption-related expenses, legal fees, and filing fees, facilitated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. As a lawyer contracted with the department, I handle these subsidy adoptions at no cost to the adoptive parents.

Beyond CPS adoptions, Texas also recognizes matched adoptions, where prospective adoptive families connect with birth families independently, often through social media or personal networks. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult an attorney like me at the Law Office of Dana Baker to guide you through the process, including home studies, background checks, and legal formalities, often saving considerable costs compared to agency involvement.

The third type, private child placement adoptions, involves specialized agencies assisting biological mothers in placing their children for adoption. These agencies manage the adoption process, often at a higher cost, ranging from $12,000 to $60,000, depending on the agency’s involvement. My firm, the Law Office of Dana Baker, is well-equipped to collaborate with these agencies to complete the legal aspects of adoption.

For further details on private, matched, and CPS adoptions in Texas, consider scheduling an initial consultation. Obtain the legal guidance you need by contacting the Law Office of Dana Baker at 979-310-5507.

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