Take the first step on a life-changing path to building your family through adoption—with guidance, support, and all the tools you need to begin.
Adoption is a life-changing path—and we’re here to help you take the first step. To adopt through the Texas foster care system, you’ll need to become certified through a state-contracted agency. The process typically takes 3–6 months, depending on the agency. Follow the steps below to learn what comes next and how to get started. Your forever family could be closer than you think.
No matter where you want to get involved to support children and families, we encourage you to start by attending an information session. During these meetings, you have a great opportunity to hear from professionals in the field about foster care, learn about trauma informed parenting, and ways to get involved.
Choose a child-placing agency to assist you in adopting a child from Texas Department of Family & Protective Services. Your agency will connect you with an adoption specialist or caseworker who will be by your side and explain everything you need to get started. Visit our Partners page for a list of agencies in our region.
Your selected child-placing agency will help you complete the application process, which includes their application, personal references, and medical history. Required training covers parent and child attachments, developmental needs, behavior interventions, the effects of abuse and neglect, discipline techniques, separation grief and loss, family relations, agency relations, child safety, CPR/First Aid, and other state trainings. Your selected child-placing agency will also complete a background check on all those living in the household over the age of 14.
A home study is a required step in the adoption process. A licensed social worker will get to know your family through interviews, a home visit, and review of key documents like background checks and health records. It’s designed to ensure your home is safe and ready to welcome a child.
Once you’re approved, it’s time to start preparing for your future child. Begin gathering helpful resources like childcare options, therapy providers, and local support groups. Caseworkers will start sharing your home study, and you can now submit inquiries for children featured in the Heart Gallery.
After being matched, you’ll meet with the child’s care team and review their case file. Pre-placement visits will be scheduled to help you and the child begin building a connection.
When you are adopting a child, you’ll have to complete a mandatory waiting period following placement in your home, usually lasting about six months. During this time, a social worker will perform post‐placement supervision visits to evaluate how well everyone is adjusting to the newest member of your family. After the waiting period is over, you can petition to adopt. If your petition to adopt is approved, you’ll be ready for the final step of the process for adopting from foster care: finalization.
After completing the required steps and waiting period, you’ll attend a court hearing where your adoption becomes official. This joyful moment marks the legal recognition of your new family. Many families invite loved ones to join in the celebration and witness this meaningful milestone.
Support doesn’t end at finalization. Many families benefit from ongoing resources like counseling, support groups, and educational tools. Our Next Steps program is here to walk alongside you—offering guidance, encouragement, and practical help as you and your child adjust and grow together. You’re not alone—continued support is always within reach.
