Adoption agencies play a vital role in helping children find safe, permanent homes while guiding adoptive families and supporting birth parents. If you feel called to serve in this way, you may be asking: How do I open an adoption agency in Texas?
Because adoption is a highly regulated process, starting an agency requires careful preparation and compliance with Texas law. Below is a guide to the legal requirements and some business tips to help you get started.
WHO REGULATES ADOPTION AGENCIES IN TEXAS?
In Texas, adoption agencies are licensed and overseen by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) through the Residential Child Care Licensing Division (RCCL).
Anyone providing adoption services—matching children with families, conducting home studies, or managing placements—must be licensed as a Child-Placing Agency (CPA).
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO OPEN AN ADOPTION AGENCY IN TEXAS
1. Submit an Application to DFPS
You must apply for a Child-Placing Agency license with DFPS. The application will require:
- Business formation documents (LLC, nonprofit, or other entity)
- Proof of financial stability
- Proposed policies and operating procedures
- Educational and professional qualifications of the director and staff
2. Meet Education and Experience Standards
The agency’s director is required to have:
- A degree in social work, psychology, child development, or a related field
- Relevant experience in child welfare, family services, or adoption
3. Attend Pre-Application Training
DFPS requires prospective adoption agencies to attend a pre-application class or orientation to review regulations and expectations.
4. Develop Written Policies and Procedures
Your policies must address:
- Home study process and requirements
- Matching and placement procedures
- Counseling for birth parents and adoptive families
- Recordkeeping and confidentiality
- Post-placement support services
5. Facility Review and Inspections
If your agency has an office or facility, DFPS will conduct an inspection to ensure compliance with safety, privacy, and operational standards.
6. Background Checks
All staff and volunteers who interact with children or families must pass criminal background checks and child abuse registry screenings.
7. Staff Training Requirements
Agency staff must complete DFPS-approved training in adoption law, ethics, child development, and family support.
8. Receive Your License
Once you have met all requirements, DFPS will issue your Child-Placing Agency license, allowing you to legally provide adoption services in Texas.
BUSINESS TIPS FOR RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION AGENCY
Opening an agency is not only about compliance—it’s also about building a sustainable, trusted organization.
1. Choose the Right Business Structure
Decide whether to operate as a nonprofit or for-profit entity. Many adoption agencies in Texas are nonprofits, which may qualify for grants and tax exemptions.
2. Hire Experienced Professionals
Building trust is critical. Employ licensed social workers, counselors, and adoption specialists with experience in child welfare and family law.
3. Prioritize Ethical Practices
Transparency, informed consent, and respect for both birth parents and adoptive families are essential to maintaining credibility.
4. Build Relationships with Attorneys and Courts
Strong partnerships with adoption attorneys and family courts will streamline the legal side of placements and finalizations.
5. Offer Post-Adoption Support
Families value agencies that provide ongoing counseling, education, and resources after placement. This strengthens your reputation and success rate.
6. Invest in Marketing and Outreach
Use digital marketing, community partnerships, and education campaigns to reach families considering adoption and expectant mothers exploring options.
RENEWAL AND OVERSIGHT
Your CPA license must be renewed regularly, and DFPS will conduct periodic inspections and audits. Agencies that fail to comply with regulations risk suspension or loss of license.
Key Takeaways for Opening Your Texas Adoption Agency
Opening an adoption agency in Texas requires significant preparation, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to ethical practices. From obtaining a DFPS license to developing strong policies and hiring qualified staff, every step is designed to ensure children and families are supported with the highest level of care.
If done right, your agency can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across Texas.
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.