Adoption can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a parent’s life—but the financial aspect often raises concerns. If you’re wondering how to adopt a child in Texas for free, the good news is that it is possible, particularly when adopting through the state’s foster care system.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the adoption process works in Texas, how to adopt without paying large fees, and what benefits are available to support your family.
IS ADOPTION EVER FREE IN TEXAS?
Yes. Adopting through the Texas foster care system is the most affordable path—and often entirely free. The State of Texas, through the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), actively supports families who adopt children in foster care, especially those with special needs, older children, or sibling groups.
In many cases, the state will cover or reimburse:
- Court filing fees
- Attorney fees
- Home study expenses
- Post-placement supervision
- Travel related to the adoption
STEPS TO ADOPT A CHILD IN TEXAS FOR FREE
1. Attend an Information Session
Begin by attending a free adoption information session through a local foster care or child-placing agency.
2. Complete Training and Home Study
Prospective adoptive parents must complete a state-mandated training program (Parenting for a Lifetime) and undergo a home study.
When adopting from foster care, these services are often provided at no cost.
3. Get Licensed as a Foster/Adoptive Home
While not all foster parents adopt, most foster-to-adopt placements start with a child living in your home as a foster placement before adoption is finalized.
4. Get Matched with a Child
Once approved, you’ll work with your agency or DFPS to find a child who is legally free for adoption. This includes children whose parental rights have already been terminated.
5. Finalize the Adoption in Court
Once the child has lived with you for the required time (usually six months), you’ll file to finalize the adoption. In most cases, court fees are waived or reimbursed by the state.
WHO QUALIFIES TO ADOPT FOR FREE?
You may qualify to adopt through the Texas foster care system if you:
- Are at least 21 years old
- Are financially stable and responsible
- Can provide a safe and loving home
- Pass a criminal background check and home study
- Complete required training
Married couples, single adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals are all eligible to adopt.
WHAT EXPENSES MAY STILL APPLY?
While the adoption itself may be free, you may still incur minor out-of-pocket expenses during the process, such as:
- Fingerprinting or background check fees
- Time off work for training or court dates
- Minor household updates for home inspection
However, many of these costs can be reimbursed by DFPS once the adoption is finalized.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS
Adopting from foster care in Texas may also make you eligible for long-term support, including:
Monthly Adoption Subsidy
Families who adopt children with special needs may receive $400–$1,000 per month to help with care expenses.
Medicaid Coverage
Adopted children often retain access to Medicaid, even after the adoption is complete.
Tuition Waiver
Your adopted child may qualify for free tuition at Texas public colleges and universities.
Reimbursement of Up to $1,200
Texas offers reimbursement of up to $1,200 per child for nonrecurring adoption expenses, such as attorney or travel costs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to work with an attorney?
In most foster care adoptions, DFPS or your agency will provide legal assistance at no cost. However, working with an adoption attorney can help ensure the process is handled efficiently.
Can I adopt a baby for free in Texas?
Infant adoptions are rarely free unless the child is in the foster care system. Most private newborn adoptions are not state-funded and involve significant costs.
Can I adopt without fostering first?
Sometimes. While foster-to-adopt is the most common route, there are children in foster care who are legally free for adoption and can be placed directly.
Why Foster Care Is the Best Free Adoption Option in Texas
If you want to adopt a child in Texas without spending thousands of dollars, the best option is to adopt through the state’s foster care system. Not only can the process be free, but the state offers continued support to help ensure a successful transition for both parent and child.
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.