A Quick Guide to Child Adoption in Texas

So, you’ve been thinking about adoption. Maybe it’s a quiet tug on your heart. Maybe it’s a dream you’ve been holding onto for years.  Or maybe it’s something brand new—a little spark that’s just now turning into a flame. Whatever brought you here, welcome. We’re so glad you’re exploring the path of child adoption in Texas. It’s a journey that’s equal parts beautiful and challenging, full of big feelings, paperwork, and life-changing moments. 

But most of all? It’s a journey that’s all about love—creating or expanding your family through one of the most meaningful choices you’ll ever make.

This guide is here to help you understand how child adoption works in Texas, what it costs, how long it takes, and what you’ll need to know before taking that first brave step.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?

Let’s talk numbers—because this is one of the biggest questions people have when considering child adoption.

Here’s the thing: adoption costs can vary a lot depending on the type of adoption you pursue.

In Texas, you have several options:

• Adoption through foster care is typically very low-cost—or even free. In many cases, the state covers most or all of the fees involved. Bonus: many children adopted through the Texas foster care system are also eligible for post-adoption support, Medicaid, and college tuition assistance.

   

• Private agency adoptions (usually involving infants) can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. These costs cover legal fees, home studies, counseling services, birth parent expenses, and more.

   

• Independent adoptions (where you work directly with the birth family and hire your own attorney) usually cost between $15,000–$40,000.

   

• International adoptions tend to be the most expensive, often exceeding $40,000–$60,000, and come with travel, translation, and visa costs.

   

But here’s what’s most important: no matter the financial route, there are grants, tax credits, and fundraising options available to help make child adoption more accessible.

Adoption is a commitment of the heart—but yes, the financial side matters too. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

How to Adopt a Child in Texas?

Okay, now let’s walk through the steps. Child adoption in Texas follows a well-structured process, and while it might seem like a lot at first, just remember: one step at a time.

1. Decide Which Type of Adoption You Want to Pursue

Do you want to adopt through the foster care system? Are you hoping to adopt a baby through a private agency? Are you open to international adoption? Each path has its own timeline, process, and requirements.

2. Choose an Adoption Professional

If you’re going through foster care, this will likely be your local Child Protective Services (CPS) office or a contracted private agency. For private or international adoption, you’ll need a licensed adoption agency or attorney.

Not sure where to start? Our website has a great overview right here to help you explore your options.

3. Complete a Home Study

This is basically your chance to show that you’re ready and capable of providing a safe, loving home. It includes background checks, interviews, reference letters, home visits, and training classes. It might feel invasive—but it’s also a great opportunity to reflect and prepare.

4. Wait for a Match

This is the hardest part for many families. After your home study is approved, you wait to be matched with a child (or for a child to be placed in your home, if you’re fostering). Sometimes it happens quickly. Sometimes it takes time. Breathe. It’s okay.

5. Meet and Bond

Once matched, you’ll begin visits and bonding with the child before placement becomes official (especially if the child is older). For foster care adoptions, you may already have the child in your home before the adoption process begins.

6. Finalize the Adoption

After placement, there’s usually a six-month supervision period before the court finalizes the adoption. You’ll attend a final hearing, and then—boom!—you’re legally a forever family.

Texas courts will issue a new birth certificate, and the child officially becomes your child in every way that counts.

How Old Do You Have to Be for Child Adoption in Texas?

In Texas, you must be at least 21 years old to adopt a child. But it’s not just about age—it’s about maturity, stability, and your ability to meet a child’s emotional and physical needs.

There’s no official upper age limit, either. 

Grandparents, single adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and older couples all adopt children in Texas. What matters most is your readiness to parent and your commitment to providing a safe, nurturing home.

You don’t have to be married. You don’t have to own a home. You do have to complete the necessary training, pass background checks, and show that you’re financially and emotionally ready to take on the joys and responsibilities of parenting.

So if that inner voice is saying, “Could I do this?”—it’s worth listening to.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child?

Ah, the million-dollar question. And the honest answer? It depends.

Here’s a general idea:

• Adoption through foster care can take 6–18 months, depending on the child’s situation and the timeline for termination of parental rights.

   

• Private domestic infant adoption usually takes 1–2 years from start to placement.

   

• International adoption can take 2–3 years or longer, depending on the country and legal processes involved.

   

What can make it faster?

• Being open to adopting older children or sibling groups

   

• Completing paperwork quickly and thoroughly

   

• Staying flexible and communicative with your agency

   

And here’s the part we don’t say enough: no matter how long it takes, every step matters. You’re not just waiting—you’re preparing. 

You’re building the foundation for a lifetime of love, learning, and growth.

Final Thoughts: Love Makes a Family—Adoption Helps It Bloom

Child adoption in Texas isn’t always a straight path. There are forms to fill out, emotions to navigate, and systems to work within. 

But at the heart of it all is something beautifully simple: connection.

It’s a child finding their place in the world.
It’s a parent learning how to love through uncertainty.
It’s a new chapter, built on trust, hope, and a whole lot of heart.

So whether you’re still thinking it over or knee-deep in paperwork, know this: your desire to build or grow your family through child adoption already says something beautiful about you.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed? That’s normal. That’s human. 

Take a deep breath, ask for help, and remind yourself—every family starts somewhere. This could be the beginning of yours.

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