Adoption
- How can Spaulding for Children help me decide if adoption is right for me and my family?
- What information do we have to provide to Spaulding for Children during the adoption process?
- Who selects the child(ren) I adopt?
- How can Spaulding for Children help ensure a good match between the child(ren) and my family and smooth transition from foster care to adoption?
- I think adoption through Spaulding for Children is right for me and my family. How do I begin?
- What is the legal process for adoption? What papers do we sign?
- How long does the adoption process take?
- Once the adoption is final, is there any danger that the birth parents or other birth family members can take the child(ren) away from us?
- What financial issues do I need to be aware of? How much will adoption through Spaulding for Children cost?
Q: How can Spaulding for Children help me decide if adoption is right for me and my family?
A: You can fill out our online questionnaire or contact us and we will provide you with an application and answer any questions you may have. We also provide adoption preparation classes and opportunities to meet with experienced adoptive parents.
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Q:What information do we have to provide to Spaulding for Children during the adoption process?
A: During the adoption process, we ask you for information such as five personal references; positive identification (such as copies of Social Security card and drivers' license); copies of marriage licenses and/or divorce decrees, if applicable; medical history; proof of income and proof of medical insurance. We also do criminal background and child abuse checks.
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Q: Who selects the child(ren) I adopt?
A: You are involved from the beginning in deciding which child(ren) you adopt. You will come to our offices to learn more about specific children and view videos and photos of waiting children. This should help you identify the child you would like to consider for adoption. Once you make your decision, we will provide you with the child(ren)'s complete records to review.
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Q: How can Spaulding for Children help ensure a good match between the child(ren) and my family and a smooth transition from foster care to adoption?
A: We follow a specific process to ensure a positive and successful adoption experience for all involved .
- You and your family attend our Parent Resource Information Development Education (PRIDE) classes and support groups and make a family "life book" or album with photos of yourselves, your home, and significant people in your lives.
- A Spaulding for Children adoption coordinator conducts a home study to learn more about you and your family.
- The child is "introduced" to your family by viewing your "life book."
- Visits between you and the child begin with the support of a Spaulding for Children adoption coordinator.
- Placement occurs, papers are signed and a transitional "ceremony" marks the move from foster care to adoption.
- For at least the next six months, the Spaulding for Children adoption coordinator visits you and the child to help with the adjustment. You may also need help from therapists and other community resources. Once the adoption is legally finalized, you and the child are eligible forstate-contractedpost-adoption services until the child is 18 years old.
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Q: I think adoption through Spaulding for Children is right for me and my family. How do I begin?
A: Complete and submit the adoption questionnaire, call or write our intake coordinator at:
Houston:
8582 Katy Freeway, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77024
Phone 713-681-6991
Fax 713-681-9089
South Texas: 500 N. Water Street Suite 604, South Tower
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Phone 361-850-2800
Fax 361-850-8202
4401 N. 22nd Street
McAllen, TX 78504
Phone 956-631-8881
Fax 956-631-8808
Our toll free number is 1-800-460-6298.
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Q: What is the legal process for adoption? What papers do we sign?
A: You must retain an attorney to handle the legal side of the adoption. He or she can guide you through the legal process, draw up the papers you will sign and be present with you in court to finalize the adoption. You will be responsible for paying all attorney's fees, but may be eligible to receive reimbursement from Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) for these services.
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Q: How long does the adoption process take?
A: The average length of time is betweennine months to one year. The time may vary depending on the age and gender of the child you wish to adopt.
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Q: Once the adoption is final, is there any danger that the birth parents or other birth family members can take the child(ren) away from us?
A: This is highly unlikely; however, be aware that birth family members can petition the courts to reverse the adoption if they believe their legal rights to the child(ren) were not terminated legally.
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Q: What financial issues do I need to be aware of? How much will adoption through Spaulding for Children cost?
A: Spaulding for Children does not charge a fee for its adoption services; however, you are responsible for paying your attorney's fees. Non-recurring adoption expenses such as legal fees and pre-placement expenses may be reimbursed to the family after the adoption is finalized through TDFPS, if the child is eligible for these services.
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