When most people think of adoption, they picture infants or young children. But in Texas, there are thousands of teenagers in foster care who are legally free for adoption and are looking for a permanent, supportive home.
If you’re wondering how to adopt a teenager in Texas, the process is straightforward, but it requires understanding both the legal steps and the unique needs of an older child.
WHY ADOPT A TEENAGER?
Adopting a teenager can be incredibly rewarding. Teens in foster care often face aging out of the system at 18 without a permanent family. Adoption gives them:
- Legal and emotional stability
- Support through major life transitions (college, career, adulthood)
- A permanent family connection
- A stronger sense of belonging and identity
BASIC REQUIREMENTS TO ADOPT A TEENAGER IN TEXAS
Texas law requires that adoptive parents:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be financially stable
- Pass a criminal background check and child abuse registry check
- Complete required adoption training
- Provide a safe, loving home
- Complete a home study
Married couples, single adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals are all eligible to adopt in Texas.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO ADOPT A TEENAGER IN TEXAS
1. Choose Your Adoption Path
Most teenagers available for adoption in Texas are in the foster care system. You can:
- Work directly with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
- Partner with a licensed child-placing agency
- Adopt a teen you already know (kinship adoption)
2. Attend an Orientation
Orientation sessions explain the adoption process, requirements, and support services available to adoptive families.
3. Complete Required Training
Prospective adoptive parents must complete the Parenting for a Lifetime training (or agency equivalent), which covers parenting strategies, trauma-informed care, and navigating the needs of older children.
4. Undergo a Home Study
A licensed social worker will evaluate your readiness to adopt by reviewing:
- Home safety and living environment
- Financial stability
- Parenting style and experience
- Background checks
5. Get Matched With a Teen
DFPS or your agency will help match you with a teenager who is legally free for adoption. You may meet multiple times before placement to ensure a good fit.
6. Placement Period
The teenager will move into your home for a minimum placement period, usually six months, before the adoption can be finalized. This allows time to build trust and adjust to the new family dynamic.
7. Final Adoption Hearing
Once the placement period is complete, your attorney will schedule a court hearing. The judge will review your case and, if everything is in order, issue a Final Order of Adoption.
COST OF ADOPTING A TEENAGER IN TEXAS
Adopting a teen from the foster care system is often free or very low cost. The state typically covers:
- Home study costs
- Court filing fees
- Attorney fees
You may also receive reimbursement of up to $1,200 for nonrecurring adoption expenses.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND BENEFITS
Families who adopt teenagers from foster care may be eligible for:
- Monthly adoption subsidy (varies by child’s needs, typically $400–$1,000)
- Medicaid coverage until age 18 (or 21 in some cases)
- College tuition and fee waiver at Texas public colleges and universities
- Access to post-adoption support services
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN ADOPTING A TEEN
Adopting a teenager requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to address challenges such as:
- Past trauma or instability
- Adjusting to new rules and routines
- Building trust with a new parent figure
- Helping the teen maintain healthy connections with siblings or extended family
Approaching the relationship with empathy, clear communication, and consistent boundaries can help create a strong and lasting bond.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I adopt a teenager I already know?
Yes. This is called kinship adoption if you are related, or private adoption if you are not. The process still requires a home study and court approval.
Does the teenager need to consent?
Yes. In Texas, children age 12 and older must consent to their own adoption.
Can I adopt a teen as a single parent?
Yes. Single adults are eligible to adopt as long as they meet all state requirements.
Final Considerations for Adopting a Teenager in Texas
Adopting a teenager in Texas is an opportunity to give a young person a permanent home during a critical stage of life. While it may come with unique challenges, the benefits—both for the teen and for you—can be life-changing.
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.