Please review this FAQ to learn the most commonly asked questions and receive answers that can clarify your own experience.
How Much does the adoption process cost?
Adoption agencies typically charge between $25,000 to $45,000 for their placement fee. The type of adoption you choose may also affect the price.
Some agencies may charge more or have a sliding scale system in place. Prospective adoptive families can receive grants and adoption loans to help ease the cost of adoption. A tax credit is also available.
Our “Adoption Resources” page provides information on financial assistance as you navigate this process.
What are the differences between open, semi-open, and closed adoptions?
Our “Adoption Plans” page outlines these adoption plans and explains what you would expect from each one. Please note that Texas Christian Adoptions arranges adoptions individually to meet the needs of the birth parents and adoptive parents.
Please get in touch with us if you have additional questions about adoption plans.
What do we need for our home study?
Your social worker will require copies of documents like your application, medical records, driver’s licenses, and more. We can speak to you about what a home study entails.
You can find additional information on our adoption process on our “Wanting to Adopt” page.
What can we do while waiting for our match?
You can find community from adoption support groups and other resources while waiting.
Texas requires that potential adoptive parents view, read, or attend something adoption-related every 3-4 months. Every time this task is completed, you’ll send your Counselor a verification document to add to your file.
The state also requires you to take infant CPR and infant care classes. These classes will provide documentation to add to your file.
Note: You may experience longer wait times before being matched if you have more specific requirements for gender, ethnicity, etc.
We’ve been matched to our birth mother. Where can we find genetic and medical histories?
You will receive a thorough genetic and medical history completed by the birth parent(s).
What should we expect from the hospital experience?
The birth mother determines the level of contact when at the hospital. Most birth mothers want to spend time with the adoptive family, but this does not apply to all cases.
One of our Counselors is usually at the hospital to guide you through the process. The hospital determines specific policies (i.e., whether you have your own hospital room).
What if a Health problem wasn’t detected before the baby’s birth?
All birth mothers receive care from board-certified OB/GYNs. Texas Christian Adoptions does everything possible to ensure the child is healthy. Still, there is always the risk of an unseen or untestable condition that isn’t discovered until birth.
While you can’t prepare for every scenario, reflecting on this possibility is vital as you consider adoption.
How do I explain adoption to my child or family?
Texas Christian Adoptions highly recommends letting your child know they are adopted from the very beginning. This builds trust, increases communication, and can prevent long-term challenges.
Adoption should never be a secret. Your child has an identity and deserves to know who they are. Honor their feelings, listen to any frustrations or fears, and ensure additional support (i.e., community support, counseling) is available.
Being open with your family about the adoption process can help them understand your motivations for choosing adoption. Family support is crucial and helps create a stable foundation for your child.