Guidance for Adoptive Parents

How Do I Choose an Adoption Agency?

At our agency, we are very good at what we do. We have the expertise to help make your parenting dreams come true and serve any eligible applicant.

At our Texas adoption agency we are dedicated to placing children regardless of race, creed, nationality, or ethnic background into homes all over the United States.

If you are a prospective parent, do not hesitate to contact our compassionate professionals today.

We are licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as a child-placing agency. However, we are much more than that. We provide you with a relaxed, inviting environment where you can learn about the process of adoption and how it may benefit your growing family.

Are you looking to adopt? Our team can help you throughout the process. Contact us online or call 409.230.0436 today!

How Does the Adoption Process Work?

Essentially, we get to know each other as our adoption agency advises you about every eligibility requirement.

This includes:

You must be of good moral character
You must complete a thorough screening process
A home study and thorough screening will be completed on you and your family
Participation in programs regarding bonding with adoptive children

Texas Adoption Process

The adoption process in Texas may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the type of adoption you pursue (such as domestic, international, or foster care adoption). However, here is a general outline of the adoption process for parents looking to adopt a child in Texas:

Orientation and Education:

Attend an adoption orientation: Many adoption agencies and organizations in Texas offer orientation sessions where you can learn about the different types of adoption, requirements, and processes.
Complete required training: In Texas, prospective adoptive parents are often required to attend adoption education and training classes. These classes provide information on adoption procedures, parenting techniques, and addressing the needs of adopted children.

Application and Home Study:

Submit an application: Complete the agency's application process, which usually includes providing personal and background information, references, financial statements, and consent to a background check.
Home study: Undergo a home study conducted by a licensed social worker. The home study involves interviews, home visits, and assessments to evaluate your suitability as adoptive parents, including your readiness, stability, and ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child.

Matching and Placement:

Profile creation: Create a profile or adoptive parent profile book that highlights your family, lifestyle, values, and what you can offer a child.
Waiting for a match: Once your home study is complete, you may wait for a child to be matched with your family. The waiting time can vary depending on various factors such as your preferences, the child's needs, and availability.
Placement: When a suitable match is found, you will be notified and given information about the child. You may have the opportunity to review the child's profile and medical history before making a decision.
Pre-placement visits: Prior to the finalization of the adoption, you may have pre-placement visits with the child to establish a relationship and bond.

Finalization:

Adoption petition: With the assistance of an attorney, you will file an adoption petition in court to initiate the legal process.
Post-placement visits and reports: Following the child's placement in your home, post-placement visits will be conducted by a social worker to ensure the child's well-being and to prepare a report for the court.
Adoption hearing: Attend a court hearing where a judge will review the case, evaluate the suitability of the adoption, and issue a final decree of adoption if all legal requirements are met.
Legalization and post-finalization steps: After the adoption is finalized, you will receive an amended birth certificate for the child, and you can proceed with updating legal documents and making necessary arrangements for the child's care and well-being.

Please note that the adoption process in Texas can be complex, and it is recommended to consult with adoption professionals, such as adoption agencies, attorneys, or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your situation.

Confidentiality through the Adoption Process

All of the above always remains completely confidential as we are committed to protecting our adoption clients.

After attending an informational meeting about our services, you will be asked to submit a "profile" consisting of non-identifying photos and information about yourselves that will be shared with birth parents. We will always help you with this and you will have our guidance throughout the entire adoption process.

How Long is the Adoption Process?

The length of the adoption process can vary widely depending on various factors, including the type of adoption (domestic, international, foster care), the specific adoption agency, the age and needs of the child being adopted, and the adoptive parents' preferences and requirements.

For domestic adoptions through a Texas adoption agency, the process typically involves several stages, and it can take anywhere from several months to a few years to complete. Again, there are numerous factors that can add or subtract time from the length of the process. We are here to guide your throughout the entire process.

Dedicated to Helping Children Find Caring Homes

Remember that we work in the best interest of the child, not necessarily on a first-come, first-serve basis. The match or quality of the placement is what matters most to Cradle of Life Adoption Agency. After placement, we offer you counseling and other support. Six to 18 months after the placement, the adoption is consummated with an appearance in court and to ensure that the child is officially yours. Visit our testimonials page to read what our clients have to say about our services.

Congratulations on thinking about adoption! Take the first steps with the help of our highly trained Texas adoption agents. Call 409.230.0436 to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Amazing & life changing
“I can’t thank them enough for supporting me for my decision. I felt very comfortable and choosing the family. I had an instant connection when looking at their book! They are amazing! I’ve been in contact for 11 years now!”

Kandis
Because the agency owners are adoptive parents themselves, they could really empathize with us.
“We have two beautiful daughters, adopted four years apart, from Cradle of Life. In both adoptions, everything went smoothly. We were given lots of personal attention by each member of the staff. They approached our needs and desires with great sensitivity. Because the agency owners are adoptive parents themselves, they could really empathize with us and respond firsthand to our questions and concerns. We can't imagine a more caring, more efficiently run adoption agency anywhere. Our lives are wonderfully changed forever because of Cradle of Life.”

PAT AND JEFF
I am so glad I called Cradle of Life.
“I am so glad I called Cradle of Life. The entire staff were so caring and loving. We really became good friends. I'm now about to graduate from college. I know I could not have accomplished this without Cradle's help.”

TAMMY
Our experience with the Cradle of Life agency and the support staff was professional, comforting and compassionate.
“As proud parents of two adopted children we can truly say our experience with the Cradle of Life agency and the support staff was professional, comforting and compassionate. From the first day we contacted Cradle of Life, and throughout the entire process, we felt secure in our decision. It is obvious the staff at Cradle of Life has a heartfelt desire to use the adoption process to the best interest of both the adoptive parents and the children to which they have been entrusted. We consider ourselves blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such a caring and supportive agency. Because of our experience we have recommended Cradle of Life to other prospective adoptive parents and, should we decide to grow our family, would definitely make our first call to Cradle of Life”

JOE, CHRISTINA, MARIA AND ISABEL
When it comes to adoption and major life experiences for a family, the staff at Cradle of Life were the most generous.
“When it comes to adoption and major life experiences for a family, the staff at Cradle of Life were the most generous, patient and knowledgeable people we have ever encountered. Working with Cradle of Life has been a true experience of the heart for our family. As parents of two biological and three adopted children, we now understand that different agencies approach the adoptive family differently. It was from stories of your own experience as adoptive parents that we built our most basic understanding of how this miracle process would work. We knew we could call you for anything, anytime, and you would take the time to answer our questions . . .over and over again. Cradle of life is a part of our family, one we will treasure forever. We are grateful for the precious, perfect, children we have as a result of Cradle of Life. We are grateful for the ways you have made this journey so special for our family. Thank you so very much for playing such an incredible role in this miracle. Thank you for helping us build our family and for making adoption as natural and as satisfying as any birth experience. Thank you over and over again.”

ELIZA AND MARCO