Adoption can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life—but it can also seem financially out of reach for many families. The good news is that in Texas, it is possible to adopt a baby (or child) for little to no cost, depending on the type of adoption you choose.
If you’ve been wondering, “How can I adopt a baby in Texas for free?”, here’s what you need to know about your options, eligibility, and available financial support.
1. ADOPTING THROUGH FOSTER CARE
The most common—and often free—way to adopt in Texas is through the state foster care system.
How It Works
- You become licensed as a foster parent through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
- You provide temporary care for a child in the foster system.
- If the child becomes legally free for adoption (meaning the biological parents’ rights are terminated), you may be able to adopt them permanently.
Many of these children are infants or toddlers, although most are older children or sibling groups.
Costs
Foster care adoption is typically free or very low-cost. The state often pays for:
- Home study and training
- Court filing fees and legal costs (up to $1,200 reimbursement)
- Attorney fees
- Adoption subsidy for qualifying children
2. ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AND REIMBURSEMENTS
Families who adopt children from Texas foster care often qualify for financial assistance, including:
- Monthly subsidy payments to help cover the child’s needs (often $400–$1,000/month).
- Medicaid coverage for the child until age 18 (or 21 in some cases).
- College tuition and fee waivers for Texas public colleges and universities.
- Reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses (up to $1,200).
These benefits make adoption through DFPS the most affordable—and often completely free—option in Texas.
3. PRIVATE ADOPTION WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Private infant adoptions (arranged through an agency or attorney) usually cost between $20,000 and $50,000. However, some families can offset or eliminate these costs with:
- The Federal Adoption Tax Credit, which reimburses up to $15,000+ in qualified adoption expenses.
- Employer adoption assistance programs, which may include financial reimbursement or paid leave.
- Adoption grants and loans through nonprofit organizations like HelpUsAdopt.org or Gift of Adoption.
While not completely free, these programs can significantly reduce the financial burden of adopting a baby privately.
4. KINSHIP ADOPTION (ADOPTING A FAMILY MEMBER)
If you’re adopting a relative’s child, such as a niece, nephew, or grandchild, the process can often be done at minimal cost.
Texas law supports kinship adoptions because they keep children within their extended families. In many cases:
- The home study may be waived.
- Court costs are lower.
- Legal fees are minimal, especially if both biological parents consent.
If the child was in foster care before kinship placement, the state may also provide financial assistance similar to foster care adoption.
5. CHURCHES, NONPROFITS, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Some organizations in Texas offer grants or assistance to families hoping to adopt, particularly faith-based or nonprofit agencies.
Examples include:
- AdoptTogether – A crowdfunding platform for adoptive families.
- ABBA Fund – Provides interest-free loans for Christian families adopting.
- Show Hope – Offers adoption grants for qualifying families.
While these don’t make private adoption entirely free, they can help cover significant expenses.
6. MYTH: FREE ADOPTION MEANS LOWER QUALITY CARE
Some families worry that adopting through foster care means less support or longer wait times. In reality, DFPS and licensed agencies provide extensive training, resources, and post-adoption support to help families succeed.
Thousands of children—babies included—find loving, permanent homes through Texas foster care every year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I adopt a newborn through foster care?
Yes, but it’s rare. Most babies in foster care are part of sibling groups or were placed due to parental neglect or substance abuse.
Are all foster care adoptions free?
Yes. The state covers most costs, and you may even qualify for reimbursement or subsidies.
Can single parents adopt through foster care?
Yes. Single adults can adopt in Texas as long as they meet the requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to adopt through foster care?
In most cases, DFPS provides an attorney or covers your legal fees. However, private adoption cases typically require hiring an attorney.
Key Takeaways: Adopting a Baby in Texas for Free
So, how can you adopt a baby in Texas for free? The best option is through Texas foster care adoption, where the state covers most—if not all—of the costs. While newborn adoptions are less common, thousands of young children in Texas are waiting for permanent families each year.
Adoption may take time and patience, but it’s a life-changing act of love—and in Texas, it doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
Bryan Fagan is a Texas family law attorney with a heart for adoption—inspired not just by his legal career, but by his own family story. Growing up in Atascocita with two adopted brothers, Bryan learned early the profound meaning of chosen family. His passion for justice was sparked by John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, and he became the first lawyer in his family, balancing night classes at South Texas College of Law while caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Bryan brings that same dedication to his practice, guiding families through adoptions, custody disputes, divorces, and complex marital agreements. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, he combines elite legal expertise with genuine empathy—drawing from his roles as a husband, father of three, and advocate for families facing false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is actively involved in the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Sector and statewide family law organizations. Whether finalizing an adoption or protecting parental rights, he believes the law should reflect the deepest values of home, commitment, and love.