Adoption

Considering Adoption? This is a beautiful way to grow your family! There are several routes you can take when considering adopting a child.

Types of Adoption

Private Adoption

This is usually facilitated through an adoption agency to connect adoptive families and mothers who wish to select a family to raise their child. Most often, children in these scenarios are newborns.

State Adoption (facilitated through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS))

Involves children of all ages who have been removed from homes due to high-risk situations. This often requires families to foster with the goal of adoption, while allowing time and the possibility for the child to be reunited with their biological family when possible.

Kinship Adoption

Involves a family member adopting another family member, regardless of age. This may involve an aunt adopting a nephew, grandparents adopting a grandchild, or a step-parent adopting a step-child.

International Adoption

This sort of adoption covers various age ranges and is usually facilitated through private adoption agencies within the United States or the country of the adopted child’s nationality.

Explore adoption agencies near you here.

Adoption Resources in Texas

Adoption costs vary widely based on circumstances and the route chosen. Estimates range from around $500 for state adoptions to over $40,000 for private adoptions. There are many resources that can assist families considering adoption, including a federal tax credit, state services, and individual nonprofits.

    • Federal tax credit: Up to $14,890 per child as of 2022, applicable to public and private adoptions but with income limitations.
    • Texas adoption assistance program: Monthly support for adoption of children with special needs, ranging from $400 to a maximum of $545, plus up to $1,200 reimbursement for one-time adoption expenses (excluding step-parent adoptions).
    • Other: Some nonprofits, employers (including the military), and churches provide financial assistance for adoption.
    • Texas does not currently offer an adoption tax credit.

      Find adoption agencies for private adoptions or explore state adoption through resources in Texas here.

      Nervous to Adopt? Five Common Adoption Myths and Why They’re False

      Myth: “Mothers make adoption plans for their child because they don’t love them.”

      Truth: That’s definitely not the case! Many pregnant moms would love to raise their children if they felt like they had the means or support to do so. However, instead of aborting their precious baby, they make the brave decision to choose a loving family to give them a beautiful life.

      Myth: “Adoption takes many years to complete.”

      Truth: The average adoption timeframe is nine months to almost two years. While sometimes it does take years, it is not as long as people might assume.

      Myth: “Adoption is way too expensive for me.”

      Truth: Adoption doesn’t have to break the bank. Costs vary based on the type of adoption, but there are affordable options, including nonprofit ministries and foster-to-adopt programs, which can cost less than $1,500.

      Myth: “It’s easier to adopt internationally than in the United States.”

      Truth: Years ago, international adoption was more accessible, but many countries now have stricter regulations. In the U.S., it’s easier than ever to adopt a child who needs a loving home. As of August 2023, nearly 5,000 children in Texas alone are waiting to be adopted.

      Myth: “Children who are adopted are damaged emotionally.”

      Truth: Some complexities may come from being adopted, since it is one of life’s challenges. However, every child faces life challenges. Fictional media portrays a specific stereotype of adopted children which is not true of many kids’ experiences. Actually, studies show that having a warm family and stable home increases the adopted child’s mental health and ability to communicate effectively.

      Every child deserves a loving home.
      Adoption is a beautiful expression of love, sacrifice, and hope. 

      Whether you are welcoming a newborn into your home, providing stability for a child from foster care, or stepping in for a relative in need, adoption changes lives—both the child’s and yours. It’s a powerful way to reflect God’s love for us.