Adoption is one of the most meaningful ways to grow a family, and Houston residents have several options when it comes to adopting a child. Whether you’re considering adoption through the foster care system, a private agency, or within your own family, it’s important to understand the process and legal requirements.
If you’re asking, “How do I adopt in Houston, Texas?”, this guide will walk you through the key steps, types of adoption available, and what you need to know before starting.
WHO CAN ADOPT IN HOUSTON?
Texas law sets broad eligibility for adoption. To adopt in Houston, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Pass a criminal background check and child abuse registry check
- Demonstrate financial stability
- Provide references and proof of stable housing
- Complete a home study conducted by a licensed social worker
- Complete training (required for foster and some agency adoptions)
Married couples, single adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals are all eligible to adopt in Houston.
TYPES OF ADOPTION AVAILABLE IN HOUSTON
1. Foster Care Adoption
Adopting through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is often the most affordable option. Many children in the foster care system are legally free for adoption, and the state often reimburses related expenses. Families may also qualify for adoption subsidies, Medicaid for the child, and tuition waivers at Texas public colleges.
2. Private Infant Adoption
Families can adopt infants directly from birth parents or through licensed private adoption agencies. While this path can be faster, it is also more expensive, with costs often ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
3. Kinship Adoption
Relatives such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles may adopt family members when parents are unable to care for them. This process is usually less costly and may involve fewer steps.
4. Stepparent Adoption
If you are married to the child’s biological parent, you may pursue a stepparent adoption. This requires terminating the rights of the other biological parent (voluntarily or involuntarily) before finalization.
5. International Adoption
Some Houston families adopt children from other countries. This process is more complex and expensive, requiring compliance with both U.S. and foreign laws.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO ADOPT IN HOUSTON
Step 1: Choose Your Adoption Path
Decide whether you will adopt through foster care, a private agency, or independently with an attorney.
Step 2: Complete an Orientation
Most agencies and DFPS require prospective parents to attend an informational meeting.
Step 3: Home Study & Training
Complete the required home study and, if applicable, pre-adoption training. This step assesses your readiness and ability to provide a safe home.
Step 4: Matching Process
You’ll be matched with a child through DFPS, an agency, or directly with birth parents (in private adoptions).
Step 5: Placement Period
The child is placed in your home, typically for six months, before finalization. Social workers may conduct post-placement visits during this time.
Step 6: Court Finalization
A hearing is held in Harris County (or your local Houston-area court). A judge reviews the case and, if all requirements are met, issues a Final Order of Adoption.
COST OF ADOPTION IN HOUSTON
- Foster care adoption: $0–$2,500 (often reimbursed by the state)
- Kinship or stepparent adoption: $500–$5,000
- Private adoption: $20,000–$50,000
- International adoption: $25,000–$60,000
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to live in Houston to adopt here?
You do not need to be born in Houston, but you must reside in Texas and file your adoption in the county where you live.
Can single people adopt in Houston?
Yes. Single adults may adopt as long as they meet the state’s requirements.
How long does adoption take?
It depends on the type of adoption. Foster care adoptions often take 6–18 months, while private adoptions may take 6–12 months. Stepparent and kinship adoptions are usually faster.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Adopting in Houston, Texas, is a process that requires preparation, patience, and legal guidance. Whether through foster care, private adoption, or kinship arrangements, the most important factor is creating a safe, permanent home for a child in need.
Considering Adoption in Houston?
Contact The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced adoption attorneys in Houston can guide you through every step of the process, from filing petitions to finalizing your adoption in court.
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.