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Frequently Asked Questions
ADOPTION
Houston
South Texas
- 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?
POST ADOPTION
Houston
South Texas
- Does Spaulding for Children provide a support system once the family has gone to court to finalize its' adoption?
- Can Spaulding for Children help an adopted adult find his or her birth parents?
- What Post Adoption services are available through Spaulding for Children's Adoption Program in theSouth Texas area?
- Can Spaulding for Children assist in finding a therapist with expertise in adoption for my child and my family?
- Is there a reason to seek post adoption services if everything is fine with my child and my family?
- What respite services does Spaulding for Children offer?
FOSTER CARE
Houston
- How long will it take before I can have a child living in my home?
- Once I become a foster parent, can I adopt my foster child?
- What is the difference between life long foster care and temporary foster care?
- Does Spaulding for Children offer support services for foster families?
- Do the birth parents have the right to visit my foster child(ren)?
About Our Organization
- What is Spaulding for Children?
- How do most people find out about Spaulding for Children?
ADOPTION
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. 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.
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; identification (such as Social Security and driver's 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.
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.
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 will 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 for state-contracted post-adoption services until the child is 18 years old.
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