For many families, the path to adoption begins with foster care. Texas has thousands of children in foster homes at any given time, and many of them need permanent families. The foster-to-adopt program allows you to care for a child as a foster parent with the possibility—and often the goal—of eventually adopting them.
If you’re asking, “How do I foster to adopt in Texas?”, this guide explains the process, requirements, and benefits.
WHAT IS FOSTER-TO-ADOPT?
Foster-to-adopt is when a child is placed in your home through the foster care system with the expectation that they may become legally free for adoption.
- At first, your role is as a foster parent.
- If the child’s biological parents’ rights are terminated, you may then move forward with adoption.
This process provides children with stability while giving foster parents the opportunity to adopt.
REQUIREMENTS TO FOSTER-TO-ADOPT IN TEXAS
To qualify as a foster-to-adopt parent in Texas, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be financially stable and provide proof of income
- Pass criminal background checks and a child abuse registry check
- Complete pre-service training (Parenting for a Lifetime and other DFPS-approved courses)
- Provide references
- Complete a home study conducted by a licensed social worker
- Demonstrate a safe and supportive home environment
Both single adults and married couples (including LGBTQ+ couples) are eligible to foster-to-adopt.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO FOSTER TO ADOPT IN TEXAS
Step 1: Attend an Orientation
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and licensed child-placing agencies offer informational meetings to explain the process.
Step 2: Submit an Application
You’ll complete an application providing personal background, references, and details about your household.
Step 3: Complete Training
Prospective foster-to-adopt parents must complete required training courses, including trauma-informed care, CPR/first aid, and child development.
Step 4: Home Study and Inspections
A licensed social worker will evaluate your home and interview family members. Safety inspections (fire, health, space) are also required.
Step 5: Licensing and Approval
Once approved, you will be licensed as a foster parent with the designation to adopt if the opportunity arises.
Step 6: Placement of a Child
You’ll be matched with a child or sibling group. Initially, you’ll serve as their foster parent.
Step 7: Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
If reunification with biological parents is not possible, the court may terminate parental rights, making the child legally free for adoption.
Step 8: Adoption Finalization
After the child has lived with you for a minimum of six months and all requirements are met, you may petition the court for adoption. A judge will then issue a Final Order of Adoption.
COST OF FOSTER-TO-ADOPT IN TEXAS
Foster-to-adopt is one of the most affordable adoption paths. Most costs (training, home study, legal fees) are covered by the state. Families may also receive:
- Monthly stipends to cover foster care expenses
- Medicaid coverage for the child
- Reimbursement of up to $1,200 for nonrecurring adoption expenses
- College tuition waivers at Texas public universities for adopted children
BENEFITS OF FOSTER-TO-ADOPT
- Provides permanent homes for children in need
- Affordable compared to private or international adoption
- Financial assistance and post-adoption support available
- Opportunity to build a family while giving a child stability
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I choose the age of the child I foster-to-adopt?
Yes, you can express preferences for age, gender, and sibling groups, but flexibility helps with matching.
Are infants available through foster-to-adopt?
Infants are less common, but many children under 5 enter the system each year. Most children available are school-aged or part of sibling groups.
Do I have to be married?
No. Single adults may foster-to-adopt in Texas.
How long does it take?
The licensing and approval process may take 6–9 months, and the timeline to adoption depends on the child’s legal situation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Foster-to-adopt in Texas is an affordable and impactful way to build your family while giving a child in foster care the permanent home they deserve. While the process involves training, licensing, and legal steps, the result is a life-changing bond that benefits both the child and the family.
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.