Choosing an adoption agency is one of the most significant and heartfelt decisions you will make on your journey to build a family. The right partner provides not just services, but the support, clarity, and compassion needed to navigate this deeply personal process. In Texas, the path to adoption is guided by specific laws designed to protect the best interests of the child, the birth parents, and you, the hopeful adoptive family.
Understanding these rules, from the home study requirements in the Texas Family Code (Chapter 162) to the legal finalization process, can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to simplify that complexity. We've compiled a list of some of the best adoption agencies in Texas, breaking down their unique approaches so you can find a partner that aligns with your family’s vision and values.
This article will help you:
- Compare Top Agencies: We provide curated profiles detailing services, locations, specializations, and how they support families.
- Understand Different Paths: Learn the distinctions between domestic infant adoption, adopting from foster care, and kinship (relative) placements.
- Gain Actionable Insights: Each profile includes direct links and key considerations to help you take the next step with confidence.
As you explore these agencies, consider how they support the emotional journey for everyone involved. For example, a family adopting a child from a difficult background might need resources to understand and navigate challenges like healing from trauma. Our goal is to empower you with the information needed to select the best agency for your unique situation, setting the foundation for a successful and loving adoption.
1. Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) – DFPS
The Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) is not a traditional agency but the official, state-run online portal managed by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). It serves as the primary, centralized hub for families interested in adopting children directly from the Texas foster care system. This platform is an essential starting point for anyone considering adopting from foster care, providing a transparent and direct path to learning about the children waiting for permanent, loving homes.
Unlike private agencies that may focus on infant placements, TARE is specifically designed to find families for children in state care. These often include older children, sibling groups who need to stay together, and children with medical or emotional needs. For prospective parents whose main goal is to provide a home for a child in need, TARE is an unparalleled resource.
Key Features and How It Works
TARE’s primary function is its statewide photolisting, a searchable database of children who are legally ready for adoption. Hopeful families can create a profile and browse listings, learning about the children's backgrounds, personalities, and specific needs in a respectful way.
Here’s what you can do on the TARE platform:
- Search for Waiting Children: Use filters to view profiles of children across Texas who are waiting for a forever family.
- Submit Inquiries: If you feel a connection with a child or sibling group, you can submit an inquiry directly through the portal to learn more.
- Find Local Resources: The site provides a directory of private child-placing agencies that partner with DFPS, helping you find a licensed agency in your area to begin the home study process.
- Access Training and Events: TARE maintains a calendar of free, statewide orientation meetings and required training for prospective foster and adoptive parents.
Financial and Practical Considerations
One of the most significant advantages of adopting through the DFPS pathway is the cost. There are generally no agency or placement fees, which can save families tens of thousands of dollars compared to private adoption.
Key Insight: Adopting from foster care is often the most affordable path to adoption. DFPS may also provide financial assistance, including a monthly subsidy to help with the child's care and reimbursement for certain legal costs, such as attorney fees, up to $1,200 per child.
The process involves several steps, from attending an orientation and completing training to undergoing a home study and being approved. The matching process can take time, as caseworkers carefully consider the best interests of each child. While this journey requires patience, it is a structured and well-supported path. When working with DFPS or a partner agency, it's crucial to understand what to ask. Preparing a list of questions to ask your adoption agency can help you clarify expectations regarding timelines, support, and communication.
- Website: Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE)
- Best For: Families open to adopting older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs directly from the state foster care system.
2. Gladney Center for Adoption
The Gladney Center for Adoption is one of Texas’s most established and comprehensive adoption agencies, with a legacy spanning over 135 years. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Gladney offers a full spectrum of adoption services, making it a prominent choice for families across the state. It is a full-service, licensed non-profit agency known for its extensive support systems for both birth parents and adoptive families, guiding them through every stage of the journey with compassion.
Unlike state-run portals focused solely on foster care, Gladney provides diverse pathways to building a family. These include domestic infant adoption, international adoption programs, and foster-to-adopt services through its "New Beginnings" program. This wide range of options makes Gladney one of the best adoption agencies in Texas for those seeking a highly supported, agency-guided experience.
Key Features and How It Works
Gladney provides a structured and supportive process, helping families feel prepared and cared for from their first call to post-adoption support. The agency is deeply involved from the initial inquiry to long after finalization, ensuring families are well-prepared and educated.
Here’s what you can expect when working with Gladney:
- Multiple Adoption Programs: Choose from domestic infant adoption, where birth mothers select the family, or the New Beginnings program, which focuses on children in the Texas foster care system.
- Comprehensive Training and Home Studies: Gladney provides all necessary pre-adoptive training and conducts state-licensed home studies, a critical step for any Texas adoption.
- Support for Birth Parents: The agency offers compassionate counseling and resources for expectant parents, honoring their brave and loving decision.
- Lifelong Post-Adoption Support: Gladney offers counseling, support groups, educational resources, and a strong community, emphasizing that adoption is a lifelong journey for the entire family.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Private infant adoption through an agency like Gladney involves significant costs, which cover services for birth parents, legal work, medical expenses, and agency operations. These fees can range from $35,000 to $50,000 or more. However, this investment provides a high level of professional support and case management.
Key Insight: While the financial commitment for private adoption is substantial, agencies like Gladney provide an all-inclusive service model. This means that a single fee often covers counseling for birth parents, legal coordination, and post-placement support, which can simplify the process for adoptive families.
The timeline for a private infant adoption can vary widely based on the preferences of birth mothers. Understanding the full scope of the adoption process in Texas is crucial for setting realistic expectations. For example, a family might wait several months or over a year to be chosen by an expectant mother. It's a journey of hope and patience.
- Website: Gladney Center for Adoption
- Best For: Families seeking a full-service agency experience for domestic infant adoption, or those who value extensive pre- and post-adoption support and education.
3. DePelchin Children’s Center
DePelchin Children’s Center is a highly respected Texas nonprofit with a long history of serving children and families. With a significant presence in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Lubbock, DePelchin offers a comprehensive, community-focused approach to foster care and adoption. It stands out for its integrated clinical services, providing families with wraparound support that addresses the emotional and behavioral needs of children who have experienced trauma.
This agency is an excellent choice for prospective parents who are seeking to adopt from the foster care system and value access to ongoing parenting programs, counseling, and post-adoption support. DePelchin’s model is built on strengthening families and ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive, making it a key player among the best adoption agencies in Texas for those committed to the foster-to-adopt journey.
Key Features and How It Works
DePelchin provides a structured and supportive pathway for families to become licensed for foster care and adoption. Their website is a hub for information, offering clear steps and easy access to orientation schedules. They focus on preparing parents for the unique rewards and challenges of adopting from foster care.
Here’s what you can expect from DePelchin:
- Foster and Adoption Licensing: The center guides families through every step of the verification process, from initial inquiry to final approval.
- Kinship Care Support: DePelchin provides specialized services and resources for relatives (like grandparents or aunts) who are caring for or adopting family members, helping maintain family bonds.
- Integrated Counseling: Families have access to a wide range of counseling and therapeutic services to support the child’s transition and promote healing.
- Frequent Orientations: They offer regular virtual and in-person information sessions, making it easy for prospective parents to get started and ask questions.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Similar to adopting directly through DFPS, working with DePelchin to adopt from foster care is a financially accessible path. There are no placement fees for adopting a child from the state's care. The focus is on finding stable, loving homes rather than on a family's ability to pay large agency fees.
Key Insight: DePelchin’s integrated mental health services are a significant advantage. Having therapeutic support built into the adoption process can be invaluable for families welcoming children who have experienced loss and trauma, helping to build stronger, more resilient bonds.
The process begins by attending an orientation, followed by training and the completion of a home study. Because DePelchin works with children in DFPS care, the timelines are dependent on the children's specific needs and legal status. A crucial part of this journey is understanding the home study requirements. For more details on this step, you can explore information about what a home study for adoption entails to be fully prepared.
- Website: DePelchin Children’s Center
- Best For: Families seeking strong clinical support and wraparound services while pursuing adoption from the Texas foster care system, including kinship adoptions.
4. Buckner International – Foster Care & Adoption
Buckner International is a long-standing, faith-based nonprofit organization with a deep history of serving vulnerable children and families across Texas. As one of the well-regarded adoption agencies in Texas, Buckner offers a comprehensive range of services, including foster care, foster-to-adopt, and some domestic infant adoption programs. Their model is built on providing localized support through regional offices, ensuring that prospective parents receive in-person guidance, training, and resources relevant to their specific community.
This regional approach makes Buckner a strong choice for families who value a direct, personal connection with their agency. With offices in major areas like Dallas/Fort Worth, Beaumont, Lubbock, Midland, and the Rio Grande Valley, they combine a statewide reach with the feel of a community-based organization. Their primary focus is on finding permanent homes for children in the foster care system, but they also facilitate other types of adoptions, guided by their mission to protect children and strengthen families.
Key Features and How It Works
Buckner provides a structured and supportive pathway for families beginning their adoption journey. Their website clearly outlines the different adoption programs and directs visitors to their local office for specific information and next steps. The process is designed to be transparent and accessible.
Here’s what you can expect when working with Buckner:
- Localized Onboarding: Attend free, in-person informational meetings and training sessions hosted by your local Buckner office.
- Guided Licensing: Receive hands-on support from dedicated staff who will walk you through every step of the foster care licensing and home study process.
- Diverse Adoption Programs: Explore opportunities in foster-to-adopt, kinship adoption, and, in some locations, domestic infant adoption.
- Post-Adoption Support: Access ongoing resources and support services designed to help families thrive long after the adoption is finalized.
Financial and Practical Considerations
The costs associated with adopting through Buckner vary significantly based on the program. For families pursuing foster-to-adopt, the process is highly affordable, similar to adopting directly through DFPS. Most, if not all, costs are covered by the state, and families may be eligible for financial assistance to support the child's needs.
Key Insight: A faith-based agency like Buckner can offer an additional layer of community and shared values for families who seek that in their adoption journey. Their local offices often foster strong support networks among adoptive families in the area.
In contrast, domestic infant adoptions through Buckner involve agency fees to cover services for birth parents, legal work, and staff support. These fees are competitive but represent a more substantial financial commitment. It's essential for prospective parents to attend an informational meeting to get a clear breakdown of costs and timelines for their chosen adoption path.
- Website: Buckner International – Foster Care & Adoption
- Best For: Families seeking a faith-based agency with a strong local presence and in-person support for foster-to-adopt or kinship adoption.
5. Arrow Child & Family Ministries
Arrow Child & Family Ministries is a Christian, nonprofit organization that champions the needs of children and families through a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach. With a significant presence across Texas, Arrow specializes in foster care and foster-to-adopt services, focusing particularly on children who require a higher level of care due to past trauma or special needs. Their model is built on providing robust support and training to equip families for the unique challenges and rewards of this journey.
Unlike agencies that may primarily facilitate private infant adoptions, Arrow is deeply rooted in the state's foster care system. They are committed to finding healing homes for children already in state care, making them an excellent choice for families called to serve older children, sibling groups, or those with therapeutic needs. Arrow’s emphasis on clinical support sets it apart, ensuring both children and parents receive the resources necessary to thrive.
Key Features and How It Works
Arrow provides a structured pathway for families interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents, with a strong focus on preparation and ongoing support. Their statewide network of offices ensures local access to resources and a community of like-minded families.
Here’s what you can expect when working with Arrow:
- Specialized Training: Arrow offers extensive, trauma-informed training to all prospective parents, preparing them to understand and meet the complex needs of children from difficult backgrounds.
- Foster and Foster-to-Adopt Programs: Their primary service is guiding families through the foster care and foster-to-adopt process, from initial inquiry to finalization.
- Comprehensive Support: Arrow provides families with case management, access to therapeutic services, respite care options, and 24/7 crisis support.
- Statewide Network: With numerous offices across Texas, families can find local training events, support groups, and a dedicated team in their region.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Similar to adopting directly through DFPS, working with Arrow for a foster-to-adopt placement is highly affordable. There are no placement fees for adopting from the foster care system, as the agency is contracted by the state. This path removes the significant financial barriers often associated with private adoption.
Key Insight: Arrow's commitment to trauma-informed care means they invest heavily in parent training and post-placement support. This clinical foundation is invaluable for families adopting children with significant emotional or behavioral needs, providing tools for building secure attachments and promoting healing.
The process begins with an orientation, followed by training and a home study. Because Arrow often works with children who have higher needs, their screening and matching process is thorough to ensure a sustainable placement for both the child and the family. They are one of the best adoption agencies in Texas for families specifically seeking to adopt from foster care with enhanced support.
- Website: Arrow Child & Family Ministries
- Best For: Families with a strong desire to adopt from foster care and who are open to children with therapeutic needs, older children, or sibling groups.
6. American Adoptions of Texas
American Adoptions of Texas is the state-licensed affiliate of a prominent national domestic infant adoption agency. It offers a unique model, combining the broad reach and extensive resources of a national network with the personalized, local support of Texas-based staff. This structure is designed to benefit both hopeful adoptive families and expectant parents considering an adoption plan, providing more opportunities and a robust support system.
For Texas families specifically seeking to adopt a newborn, American Adoptions provides a significantly larger pool of potential matches than many smaller, local-only agencies. Their national scope means they work with expectant mothers across the country, which can often lead to shorter wait times. This makes them one of the best adoption agencies in Texas for those prioritizing a faster domestic infant placement.
Key Features and How It Works
The agency’s process is comprehensive, guiding families from the initial application and home study all the way through post-placement supervision and legal finalization. Their model is built on providing extensive support services to everyone in the adoption triad—the child, the birth parents, and the adoptive parents.
Here’s what families can expect from American Adoptions of Texas:
- National Matching: Access to a large, nationwide pool of expectant parents creates more opportunities for a successful match.
- 24/7 Counseling for Birth Mothers: Expectant mothers receive around-the-clock access to licensed social workers for counseling and support, ensuring they can make a confident, well-informed decision.
- Comprehensive Services: The agency coordinates everything from education and home study services to mediating contact between parties and handling the legal and logistical aspects of placement.
- Online Resources: Their website features a rich library of articles, video testimonials, and guides for prospective adoptive parents.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Private infant adoption through a national agency like American Adoptions involves significant costs, often totaling tens of thousands of dollars. These fees cover extensive advertising to reach expectant parents, 24/7 counseling, medical and living expenses for the birth mother as allowed by law, and comprehensive case management.
Key Insight: While the financial investment is substantial, this agency’s model includes a financial protection program to safeguard adoptive families’ funds in the event an adoption plan does not move forward, which is a critical consideration for peace of mind.
Because of the national matching system, adoptive families must be prepared for the possibility of interstate travel to meet the birth mother and be present for the baby's birth. This requires flexibility and readiness to coordinate logistics for an Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) clearance, a legal process ensuring the adoption is valid across state lines. Working with an experienced Texas adoption attorney is vital to navigate these requirements smoothly.
- Website: American Adoptions of Texas
- Best For: Hopeful adoptive parents focused on domestic infant adoption who want the benefits of a large, national matching pool to potentially reduce wait times.
7. Texas Adoption Center
Texas Adoption Center is a nonprofit agency that offers a warm, Texas-centric approach to domestic infant adoption. It provides comprehensive and compassionate services for both expectant mothers and hopeful adoptive parents, focusing on creating a supportive, localized, and personal experience. This agency stands out for its deep commitment to birth parent support, including around-the-clock contact options, which ensures expectant parents have immediate access to guidance and counseling whenever they need it.
For adoptive families who prefer working with a smaller, more intimate agency that understands the specific nuances of Texas adoption law and local resources, Texas Adoption Center is an excellent choice. Their model prioritizes building strong, trust-based relationships and ensuring every person feels respected and heard throughout the emotional journey of adoption, from the initial decision-making process to post-placement communication.
Key Features and How It Works
The agency guides families through every step of the private infant adoption process, with a strong focus on ethical practices and emotional well-being. Their services are designed to be accessible and highly supportive, particularly for birth mothers considering an adoption plan.
Here’s what you can expect from Texas Adoption Center:
- 24/7 Birth Parent Support: Expectant parents have constant access to a call or text line, providing a vital lifeline for counseling, resources, and immediate assistance.
- Texas-Focused Placement: The agency concentrates exclusively on placing children born in Texas with adoptive families in Texas, leveraging local expertise and resources.
- Compassionate Counseling: Both birth parents and adoptive parents receive education and counseling to navigate the complex emotions and decisions involved in creating an adoption plan.
- Guided Matching Process: Hopeful adoptive parents create detailed profiles that are presented to expectant mothers, who then choose the family they feel is the best fit for their child.
Financial and Practical Considerations
As a private agency, Texas Adoption Center's services come with associated fees that cover the comprehensive support, legal work, and operational costs involved in an infant adoption. Prospective families are encouraged to contact them directly for current cost information and a detailed breakdown of expenses.
Key Insight: A local, boutique-style agency often provides a higher level of personalized attention and direct communication. For many families, this tailored support system is a significant advantage over larger, national organizations.
The main tradeoff of a smaller, localized agency is that there may be fewer total match opportunities compared to a national provider. However, the Texas-centric focus can also mean a more streamlined process and a deeper understanding of state-specific legal requirements. This focus on local expertise makes them a strong contender among the best adoption agencies in Texas for families prioritizing a hands-on, supportive experience close to home.
- Website: Texas Adoption Center
- Best For: Hopeful adoptive parents seeking a personalized, local infant adoption experience with an agency that provides robust, 24/7 support for birth mothers.
Comparison of Top 7 Texas Adoption Agencies
| Agency | Best For | Adoption Types | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) | Families open to older children, siblings, or kids with special needs from foster care. | Foster-to-Adopt | No-cost adoption pathway; direct access to state listings. |
| Gladney Center for Adoption | Families seeking a full-service experience with extensive pre- and post-adoption support. | Domestic Infant, Foster-to-Adopt, International | Over 135 years of experience; lifelong support community. |
| DePelchin Children’s Center | Families adopting from foster care who value strong clinical and therapeutic support. | Foster-to-Adopt, Kinship | Integrated mental health services to support healing. |
| Buckner International | Faith-based families wanting a strong local presence and in-person support. | Foster-to-Adopt, Kinship, some Domestic Infant | Regional offices provide a community-based feel. |
| Arrow Child & Family Ministries | Families called to adopt children from foster care with therapeutic or special needs. | Foster-to-Adopt | Strong focus on trauma-informed training and care. |
| American Adoptions of Texas | Families focused on domestic infant adoption who want a shorter potential wait time. | Domestic Infant | National matching pool creates more opportunities. |
| Texas Adoption Center | Families who prefer a personalized, local infant adoption experience. | Domestic Infant | Intimate, Texas-focused approach with 24/7 birth mother support. |
From Agency Selection to Finalization: Your Next Steps with Legal Guidance
Choosing an adoption agency is a monumental step, but it is just the beginning. Whether you feel drawn to adopt a child from foster care through an agency like DePelchin or pursue a private infant adoption with Gladney or Texas Adoption Center, you now have a clearer picture of the paths available. The "best" agency is the one whose values, services, and process align with your family's unique needs and dreams.
Turning Your Choice into a Concrete Plan
Once you select an agency and begin the home study, your journey shifts from dreaming to doing. This is where the practical and legal steps of adoption come into focus, transforming your hope into a legally recognized family.
To move forward with confidence, consider these actionable steps:
- Contact Your Top Choices: Reach out to the one or two agencies that resonated most with you. Attend an informational meeting or schedule a call. This is your chance to ask questions and see if the connection feels right. For example: "Can you tell us about the support you provide for birth mothers?" or "What does post-adoption communication look like for families you work with?"
- Begin the Home Study: This is a required step where a social worker gets to know you, your home, and your motivations for adopting. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about ensuring you can provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for a child.
- Understand the Legal Framework: The moment you match with a child, your journey intersects deeply with the Texas Family Code. The legal process, governed by statutes like Chapter 162, involves filing a formal Petition to Adopt, the legal termination of the birth parents' rights, and a finalization hearing before a judge. These are not mere formalities; they are critical safeguards designed to protect the child and validate the adoption.
The Essential Role of Legal Counsel in Your Adoption Journey
While your chosen agency guides you through matching and placement, their role is distinct from that of an adoption attorney. An agency’s primary function is social work; an attorney’s function is to ensure every legal requirement is met with precision, protecting your family from potential complications.
Imagine a birth mother placing her child with you. This emotional and legally complex process involves her signing documents to terminate her parental rights. An experienced adoption attorney ensures this is done correctly according to Texas law, so that the adoption is secure and cannot be challenged later. Your attorney is your advocate, making sure every "i" is dotted and "t" is crossed. This partnership complements your agency’s work, providing a safety net so you can focus on what truly matters: preparing your heart and home for your new child.
Embarking on this path is a profound act of love and commitment. By carefully selecting from the best adoption agencies in Texas and securing experienced legal guidance, you are building your family on the strongest possible foundation.
The legal steps to finalization are where your dream becomes a reality. The team at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC works alongside your chosen agency to navigate the complexities of Texas adoption law, ensuring a smooth and secure finalization. If you are ready to take the next step with confidence, schedule a free consultation with our compassionate legal team today by visiting us at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC.
