Texas has rules and laws to protect adopted children.
When a child is adopted, his parents permanently give up all legal rights to the child. The adoptive parents assume these rights and provide care for the child. Each state has different laws concerning adoption, including age and education requirements for the adoptive parents. In addition, state regulations for adoption by single or same-sex parents differ. In Texas, consent for adoption can be given after 48 hours. Texas law lays out the standards and requirements for adoption and adoptive parents.
Basic Requirements
In order to adopt a child in Texas, there are several basic requirements. All adoptive parents must be financially stable and at least 21 years old. There is no maximum age for adoptive parents. They must agree to a background check including marriage and divorce history, a criminal background check and home visits to evaluate the members of the household and the home itself. This is done to ensure the accuracy of the adoption application and the safety of the adopted child.
Classes
The adoptive parents must complete a home study parenting training to be eligible to be adoptive parents. This training is approximately 16 hours. In Texas, there is additional training called PRIDE. PRIDE is a 35-hour program that covers parenting, discipline, abuse and working with the child welfare system. If an out-of-state family is adopting a child from Texas, they must complete a similar home study course.
Other Considerations
Children up for adoption in Texas may be placed with families in Texas or in other states, but they are not adopted to families in other countries. Single men and women are eligible to adopt in the State of Texas. In addition, there is no specific legislation against same-sex parents adopting in Texas; however, the final decision will be made by the court.
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