Many Texas residents who wish to expand their families might choose to adopt a child who needs a loving home. There are different types of these arrangements.
Agency adoption
Adopting through a private or public agency is one of the most common ways to place a child with adoptive parents. Public agencies find families for children who become wards of the state due to abandonment, abuse or because their biological parents have died.
Private agencies are usually run by social service organizations. Children who are up for adoption through them are often brought by biological parents who wish to give them up.
Independent adoption
Independent adoption occurs directly between the birth mother and adoptive parents. Usually, a third party is involved to ensure that the process goes through smoothly. Some states allow this type of adoption while others don’t allow it. Independent adoption is heavily regulated and can be complex. It’s also known as open adoption, meaning that the birth mother and adoptive parents maintain some contact.
International adoption
International adoption is the most complex of all types of adoptions. If you wish to adopt a child from another country, you’re required to satisfy the laws of that country and your home state. Children adopted from another country must have an immigrant visa, which the adoptive parents must obtain through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If the USCIS approves, the child automatically gains citizenship once you bring them into the country.
Stepparent adoption
Stepparent adoption happens when a person marries someone and legally adopts their new spouse’s children. This type of adoption can only happen if the other biological parent consents and gives up their parental rights.
Adoption is often complex, but it’s also rewarding to open your heart and home to a child in need of a family.