Adoption, like life itself, can be unpredictable. So many variables go into the process. No one can give you the exact number of months or years it may take.
Your adoption experience will be unique to you, and we promise to be by your side every step of the way. In our 34-plus years of experience, Texas Christian Adoptions has seen every possible scenario.
We understand both the excitement and stress of waiting to bring home your adopted child. The following timeline outlines many of the requirements and the typical time to complete each task. Keep in mind, though, that your situation may be very different.
How Do We Begin the Process?
Many questions need to be answered as you consider if adoption is right for you. The emotional impact, as well as the financial aspect, must be weighed carefully.
Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself before speaking with a Texas Christian Adoptions representative:
- Are we both in complete agreement and at peace that adoption is our best option?
- If we’ve endured infertility or miscarriage, have we fully grieved the loss of having biological children?
- What are our expectations for a child? Are we open to a different race, ethnicity, or health complications?
- How do we feel about an open, semi or closed adoption?
As you work through these questions and others, you will meet with one of our counselors. We’ll ask you about your reasons for adoption and explain what it means to work with Texas Christian Adoptions. We’ll also address the potential wait time, depending on how many couples are currently on our list.
If We Choose You, What’s Next?
If you decide to work with us, request an application, and we’ll begin the pre-adoptive screening evaluation. Gathering the information for the evaluation can often take weeks and even months for some families. The following are a few of the tasks you will need to complete:
- Detailed autobiographies using the outline provided and written in story form.
- Current physicals.
- First few pages of your tax return for this year and last year, and current pay stub(s).
- References given to three very close friends who can email/mail it directly to TCA.
- Copies of birth certificates (or passports) copy of your marriage certificate and your driver’s licenses.
- A blueprint or drawing of your home including measurements of each space.
- Criminal background checks – TCA will start the process initially.
- A home evaluation (home study).
- Create an online profile, collage of pictures and a video to present to expectant mothers.
When Do We Get Matched?
One of the many benefits of working with a licensed, private adoption agency is our matching services. At Texas Christian Adoptions, we specialize in matching expectant mothers or birth mothers with potential adoptive couples.
We spend time talking with our mothers about their wishes for their child’s adoptive family. If your autobiography matches what she’s looking for, we’ll present your video, or she may see your video on our website. Often, an expectant mother reviews several couples before making a choice.
Our relationship with the expectant mother determines when we begin discussing making a match. We want her to feel confident that adoption is best for her and her child before we start the matching process.
Some mothers are confident from the minute they talk with us, while others need time to consider all of their options. You could be matched for a few months or not until the baby is due or born.
If you are chosen, you will receive a copy of the birth parent’s Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History Report (HSEG). If you and the birth parents agree to the match, we will draw up the adoption contract.
What Happens After the Baby is Born?
By this time, you and the birth mother will have met at least once a month before the baby’s birth. Your birth mother creates her hospital plan regarding how she wishes to introduce you to her baby.
In Texas, she must wait at least 48 hours before signing the Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights. Once that is signed, the baby is placed in your home for a minimum of 6 months. During this time, Texas Christian Adoptions conducts post-placement adoptive screenings. You will need to retain an attorney to help with the finalization after the 6-month period – TCA will have an attorney they recommend.
Want to Know More? Contact Texas Christian Adoptions.
If you wish to begin the adoption process, call us at 817-491-2367 to set up an appointment. Then, watch and see what the Lord will do.