If you’re a hopeful adoptive parent wondering about the requirements to adopt a baby in Texas and want to make sure you are eligible, you’ve come to the right place. Many people think factors like their age, income, occupation, marital status, or sexual orientation could prevent them from fulfilling their dreams of adopting a child. Fortunately, it’s not as black and white as that.
You do have to meet specific basic requirements to adopt in Texas (or in any state in the U.S.) However, adoption is an option for people of all different backgrounds. You don’t have to be wealthy or own a big house to provide a safe, loving home for a child. It’s essential you feel confident in your ability to meet Texas adoption requirements. Our staff has helped hundreds of parents go through the adoption process and we understand the many questions you might have racing through your mind.
If you want to adopt a child in Texas, you must meet several eligibility requirements. One such requirement is passing a criminal background check. According to ChildWellfare.gov, a prospective adoptive or foster parent and all others who plan to reside in the home with an adoptive or foster child must submit to and clear a background check. The site details what the background check may entail. The check will include a name-based criminal history check of you and other applicants at the most basic level. The purpose of this is to uncover any criminal convictions you may have in Texas. The assessment will also involve a fingerprint-based criminal history check, a central registry check, and an out-of-state central registry check. The purpose of this is to see if you or other applicants have any convictions outside of the state. Additionally, the website also details what findings may constitute as a disqualification for adoption, of which there are several. Per the source, any person involved in the criminal or online solicitation of a minor; aggravated kidnapping; sexual assault, indecency with a child; trafficking of a child or person; murder, homicide or manslaughter; solicitation of prostitution; sexual performance by a child; abandoning or endangering a child; continuous sexual abuse of a child; continued violence against a family member; or child pornography can never adopt a child in the state of Texas.
The state requires a 20-year probation period for certain convictions related to enticing a child; aggravated assault; prohibited sexual contact; terroristic threat; advertising for child placement; interference with child custody; prostitution; and others. It extends a five-year probationary period for any applicant convicted of forgery, theft, burglary, or other financial crimes, driving while under the influence, or drug-related offenses. The state of Texas completely bars all individuals whom it requires to register as a sex offender from adoption.
Anyone who dreams of becoming a parent should take the necessary steps to turn that dream into a reality. Adoption is a beautiful way to build a family, but, as you can see here, it’s not the right fit for everyone. If you do find yourself nodding along to the requirements for adoption in Texas, you may be ready to take the next step in your adoption journey!To find out if you meet the qualifications for adoption in Texas or to start the adoption process, contact our knowledgeable family law support staff by calling 361-578-7200 or using the contact us form on our website!