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Adoption
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How
can Spaulding for Children help me decide if adoption is right
for me and my family? |
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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
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What
information do we have to provide to Spaulding for Children
during the adoption process? |
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During
the application process, we ask you for information such as
five personal references; positive identification (such as Social
Security and drivers' license numbers); 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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Who
selects the child(ren) I adopt? |
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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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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? |
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We
follow a specific process to ensure a positive and successful
adoption experience for all involved .
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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. |
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A
Spaulding for Children adoption coordinator conducts
a home study
to learn more about you and your family. |
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The
child is "introduced" to your family by viewing
your "life book." |
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Visits
between you and the child begin, with the support of
a Spaulding for Children adoption coordinator. |
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Placement
occurs, papers are signed and a transitional "ceremony"
marks the move from foster care to adoption. |
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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 for
Spaulding's post-adoption
services until the child is 18 years old.
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What
is the legal process for adoption? What papers do we sign? |
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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 can receive reimbursement from Texas Department of
Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)
for these services.-
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How
long does the adoption process take? |
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The
average length of time is between six months to one year. The
time may vary depending on the age and gender of the child.-
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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? |
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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 protected or terminated
legally.-
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What
financial issues do I need to be aware of? How much will adoption
through Spaulding for Children cost? |
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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 can be reimbursed to the family after
the adoption is finalized through TDFPS.-
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I
think adoption through Spaulding for Children is right for me
and my family. How do I begin? |
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Complete and submit the adoption
questionnaire, call or write our intake
coordinator at the Houston Office:
8582
Katy Freeway, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77024
Phone 713-681-6991
Fax 713-681-9089
Or the South Texas Office:
2820 South Padre Island Dr, Suite 208
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Phone 361-850-2800 Fax 361-850-8202
Our toll free number is 1-800-460-6298.
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Post Adoption
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Does
Spaulding for Children provide a support system once the family
has gone to court to finalize their adoption? |
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Spaulding
for Children's Houston office provides a variety of post
adoption services aimed at ensuring the long-term success
of all adoptive families. Spaulding for Children also offers
holiday parties and family events throughout the year.-
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Can
Spaulding for Children help me find my birth parents? |
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Spaulding
for Children does not offer this service, however, DePelchin
Children’s Services in Houston, or a local adoption
agency in your area, may be able to assist you in your search.-
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Can
Spaulding for Children assist in finding a therapist with
expertise in adoption for my child and my family? |
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Yes.
Spaulding for Children has experience with therapists throughout
Texas and nationwide. Spaulding for Children has served families
in California, Oregon, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida,
Alabama, New Jersey and South Carolina.-
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Is
there a reason to seek post adoption services if everything
is fine with my child and my family? |
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Yes.
Spaulding for Children offers fun activities such as camps
and Family Day Out for eligible families. Spaulding for Children
also offers preventive services such as education, referrals,
and respite care services.-
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What
respite services does Spaulding for Children offer? |
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Spaulding
for Children's Houston office sponsors a family co-op, Saturday
Fun Club, Friday Night Out and Camp Buckaroo for our families
all at no charge. Contact Talia
Diamond at 713.613.5200 ext. 140.-
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What
Post Adoption services are available through Spaulding for
Children's Adoption Program in the Corpus Christi area? |
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Families
who adopt through Spaulding for Children's Corpus Christi
office may be eligible for post adoption services through
Texas Family Connections at 5656 South Staples, suite 302,
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411. Contact JaNeen
Hight 361.993.3000. -
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Foster Care Program
About our organization
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What
is Spaulding for Children? |
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Spaulding
for Children is the industry leader in placing abused and neglected
children with loving adoptive families. We work with children
with physical, mental or emotional disabilities, older children,
minority children and sibling groups. And, we charge no fee
to adopt our children.-
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How
do most people find out about Spaulding for Children? |
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People
hear about us from many sources including television, radio,
the newspaper, friends, telephone directory, adoption information
resources, our newsletter and the Internet. Our number one source
of new families is the personal recommendation of our adoptive
families.-
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