Adopt a Baby in Texas

Adoption Alliance specializes in domestic infant adoptions. Many are semi-open adoptions, although fully open adoption arrangements may also be available when both parties agree.

The amount and type of communication between birth parents and adoptive families depends on the preferences and agreement of the people involved.

Adoption Alliance currently accepts adoptive-parent applicants between ages 25 and 50 at the time of application.

Families who have a child under age 2 must wait until that child reaches age 2 before applying.

Yes. Adoption Alliance works with single adults and same-sex couples who meet the agency's adoption requirements.

There is no guaranteed adoption wait time.

Wait times vary because expectant parents generally choose the prospective adoptive family they would like to consider. Your preferences regarding adoption opportunities can also affect how frequently your profile may be presented.

No. The agency has specific guidelines for our profiles.

Adoption Alliance will create each family's digital adoption profile for our website with your input.
Profile creation is included as part of the agency's services.

Often, yes.

Many expectant parents want to speak with or meet prospective adoptive parents before placement. Communication may include phone calls, video calls or in-person meetings.

After placement, the amount of ongoing contact depends on the open or semi-open adoption agreement between the birth parents and adoptive family.

Under Texas law, an affidavit of voluntary relinquishment of parental rights generally cannot be signed until at least 48 hours after the child's birth. An unmarried birth father can sign an affidavit of waiver of interest prior to the birth, but his parental rights cannot be terminated until after the birth.

Under Texas law, a relinquishment that designates a licensed child-placing agency as managing conservator is irrevocable once signed by a birth parent.

An expectant parent may decide to parent before relinquishment documents are completed.

If this happens after an adoptive family has committed to the opportunity, Adoption Alliance will explain how the agency's current fee-transfer policy applies and when the family's profile may become active for future adoption opportunities.

Agency fees are generally non-refundable once paid.

Review the current Adoption Alliance Fee Schedule and Adoptive Parent Agreement carefully before submitting payment so you understand which fees become non-refundable at each stage.

No. The home study is a separate expense.

Yes!

Adoption Alliance reviews outside home studies to make sure they satisfy applicable requirements. An addendum or update may be necessary if additional information is required.

However, some states require a home study to be completed by a licensed agency rather than an independent social worker.

In Texas, the Home Study must be updated every twelve months from the date of the last home visit.

Home studies and related clearances must remain current throughout the adoption process.

Adoption Alliance will let you know when your home study, background checks or supporting documents need to be updated based on the requirements that apply to your case.

Once you are approved and your Parents in Waiting Fee has been received, your adoptive family profile becomes active.

You will begin receiving information about potential adoption opportunities. If you are interested in an opportunity, you will be given a specific timeframe to respond.

If an expectant parent selects your family, an Adoption Alliance caseworker will contact you and guide you through the next steps.

Adoption Alliance will provide all available information relevant to the adoption opportunity. A photo of the birth mother may or may not be available and should not be expected in order to make a decision regarding the case.

Depending on what is available, this may include genetic, social and medical history, prenatal information and medical records. Obtaining medical records typically takes several weeks.

Additional records may become available later in the pregnancy or adoption process.

When appropriate, Adoption Alliance may ask the expectant parent's medical provider to order toxicology screening.

Medical providers ultimately determine which tests are performed, and results may not always be available when an adoption opportunity is initially presented.

Some expectant parents may qualify for Medicaid. When appropriate, Adoption Alliance can help identify available resources and assist with the application process.

Eligibility is determined by the applicable program.

A birth father's parental rights must be addressed as part of the adoption process, even when limited information about him is available. The required steps depend on the circumstances of each case. Adoption Alliance will explain the legal requirements that apply to your specific adoption. Adoptive families should be aware of this and have a comfort level with this type of circumstance.