Email [email protected]
Hoping to Adopt?
I want to Adopt
Become a Family
Adoption is a very emotional process for adopting families. Especially since most families have experienced years of infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization, miscarriages, and even adoption disruptions. Colores Adoptions will make sure that you are emotionally ready to proceed with the adoption plan and will provide you with all necessary support during the adoption process.
Your Adoption Specialist
Colores Adoptions will assign an Adoptions Specialist to you who will stay by your side during the adoption process. Our specialist will make sure to explain from the beginning every detail of the adoption process and answer any question you might have. She will help you create realistic expectations and provide you with support while you are waiting to be matched with a birth mother. Colores Adoption's Adoptive Family Specialists are experienced in the adoption process who have successfully completed many adoptions and most of them have also gone through the adoption process themselves as proud adoptive parents. They know and understand the different emotions involved in the adoption process and will do anything they can so that you eventually are matched with the perfect birth mother who will make you proud adoptive parents of a beautiful baby.
Relationship with Birth Parents
It is very important for a successful adoption process that you create a good relationship with the birth parents. Your Adoptive Family Specialist will also help you prepare to meet or speak with the birth parents and to understand the birth mother’s feelings so that you can create a strong relationship.
Adoption Process
The Adoptions Process for Adoptive Parents
The following is a general overview of the required documents and steps of the adoption process for adoptive parents. All of these documents are needed to complete your application with Colores Adoptions. Your home study professional must have obtained many of these documents already. You may need to contact them and request them to send you, or our agency, copies of those documents. Your home study, medical exam, and background checks must have been completed within one year of your pending adoption. Otherwise, you must also provide our agency with a home study update and updated documents. Texas law requires that you have a face-to-face meeting for your updated home study.
Adoption Steps and Required Documentation
- Complete Colores Adoptions application and email it or fax it to our agency. Please download it HERE
- Send the application fee ($350)
- Provide our agency with copies of:
- Photo ID’s of applicants and all adult household members.
- Birth certificates, passports, or LPR cards of the adoptive applicants.
- Photographs of all household members.
- Photographs of the inside of the home and any areas outside accessible by the child.
- A labeled sketch of the home's floor plan, roughly illustrating the size of the rooms and describing their functions.
- If you have pets, you must give proof of current vaccination.
- Statements of salary, savings, and debts.
- A statement from your health insurance agency detailing when coverage begins for the adopted child.
- Marriage license, if applicable.
- Divorce/Death Certificate (if applicable).
- Final decrees of prior adoptions, if any.
- Medical reports stating the current general health of each member of the household.
- References from three friends who know you personally.
- Criminal and child abuse clearances, as well as fingerprint-based background check for anyone residing in the house who is over 14 years of age. These must
- include clearances processed through Texas and child abuse registry checks for any state of residence in the past five years.
- Photo books (3) which includes a Dear Birthmother Letter, profile of Adoptive Parent, and current pictures of you all, your home, family members, yards, holidays
- pictures, vacations, personal hobbies, etc. You may also email a web profile if you wish to be online with our waiting families.
- Once your application is received, the adoptive parent manager will review your application and contact you about what documents are needed in order to
- complete your file. Please note, there is a Texas-specific background check process all out of state applicants must complete. The adoptive parent manager will
- walk you through this process.
- When your file is in and complete, you will be considered for upcoming matching opportunities.
- Once you are selected by a birth parent, you will sign a contract and send the total estimated amount of your adoption fees, as well as expenses, and costs, which
- will be deposited into the agency escrow account.
- Begin looking for an attorney in your area to handle the finalization of your adoption. We recommend using a member of the American Academy of Adoption
- Attorneys (www.adoptionattorneys.org).
- When the baby is born, you will sign a temporary custody placement agreement allowing the baby to leave the hospital with you. The placement agreement should
- be e-mailed to your insurance company to ensure that the baby will have medical coverage. Federal law generally requires that insurance companies cover an
- adopted child from date of placement. However, you should check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
- Colores Adoptions obtains Birth Parents Relinquishment of Parental Rights.
- Undergo a six month evaluation by Colores Adoptions until Finalization is obtained which includes the Post-Placement Adoptive Screening.
Home Study
Pre-Adoptive Home Screening (Home Study)
In order to adopt a child in Texas, you are required to complete a
Pre-Adoptive Home Screening (Home Study), which must be on file with an
approval by Colores Adoptions before you can match with a birthparent.
Since we are licensed in Texas and this is where placement is made, your
Pre-Adoptive Home Screening must not only meet your state's requirements,
but also all of those required for Texas. Some states, such as Texas, allow
certified social workers with M.S.W. credentials (but not necessarily
affiliated with an adoption agency) to complete these studies, in which case
you may contract with any certified (M.S.W.) social worker with applicable
credentials and experience to have your Pre-Adoptive Home Screening done. If
you live outside of Texas, your state may require that you have your
Pre-Adoptive Home Screening done through a licensed adoption agency within
your state (as is the law in North Carolina, New Jersey, Georgia and
Wisconsin.) The fees charged for Pre-Adoptive Home Screening are negotiated
between you and the provider and are independent of Colores Adoptions agency
fee structure.
If you have already had a Pre-Adoptive Home Screening done at this point,
the study may have to be supplemented so that it meets state requirements.
This is usually just a matter of contacting the social worker who did the
original study and having him or her provide us with an addendum covering
issues not included in the original study.
If a child has not been placed with the adoptive applicants within one year
from the time the Pre-Adoptive Home Screening is completed, the adoptive
home screening needs to be brought up-to-date before a placement can be
made.
Updated information must include:
- At least one visit to the home when all household members are present
- A review of each area of the original Pre-Adoptive Home Screening, noting changes
FAQ for Adoptive Parents
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ADOPTION YOU PROBABLY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ADOPTION PROCESS. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY ADOPTIVE PARENTS CONSIDERING ADOPTION.
Why should we choose a private agency?
A private agency like the Colores Adoptions can provide a full range of adoption services to adoptive couples. We can locate, screen birth parents and provide adoption counseling for all parties. The Colores Adoptions can also oversee the prenatal care arrangements for the birth mother. We can manage all legal proceedings and make arrangements for relinquishment of the child.
What types of adoptions do you do?
Colores Adoptions specializes in domestic adoption. A majority of our adoptions are semi‐open, but we strive to tailor all of our adoptions to the specific needs of all parties involved. For example, we can manage a fully open adoption if all parties agree to it.
How long is the average wait to adopt a child?
The wait can vary greatly depending upon the preferences of the adoptive couple. An adoptive couple can decrease their waiting period by being flexible and open to different situations such as race of the child, prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, etc. Please discuss your preferences and comfort level with the staff at Colores Adoptions.
We do not live in Texas, why would we choose an out-of-state agency?
There are numerous advantages to working with a Texas agency. Texas does not have residency requirements for either birth parents or adoptive parents. Agency relinquishment documents are irrevocable. Living expenses, which can help a birth mother in need through her pregnancy, are allowable through the agency. Please call for a more detailed explanation.
What about the birth mother's expenses?
A financial needs assessment for eligible birth mothers requiring assistance will be prepared by Colores Adoptions. In Texas, certain expenses may be paid for the benefit of or on behalf of a birth parent, by a licensed adoption agency. These expenses may include housing, food, medical care and transportation.
Do the adoptive parents have to talk to and meet the birth parents?
In most cases, the birth parents do want to talk to the adoptive parents during the pregnancy and many want to meet with them. The agency primarily does “semi‐open” adoptions which means that identifying information is not shared with the birth parents. The birth parents will know the adoptive parents’ first names and the state in which they reside, but NOT their last names or the city in which they reside. Semi‐open adoptions do not include visits between the birth parents and child once the child has been placed in the adoptive parents’ home. Once the child is placed with the adoptive parents, they can send pictures and letters for the birth parents through the agency.
What do the adoptive parents need to do to get started?
Get started by making a call to Colores Adoptions. We can walk you through the adoption process, step by step.
What are the birth parent relinquishment laws?
The birth mother cannot sign a relinquishment document until 48 hours after the birth in Texas, but this will differ from state to state.
What is the adoption law related to absent birth fathers in your state?
We must address a birth father’s parental rights and specific methods will be addressed on a case by case basis. There are specific procedures established to ensure a legal adoption is possible in situations where a birth father is unknown or unavailable. You may wish to consult an adoption attorney with specific questions.
What if the birth parents decide to parent before the relinquishment is signed?
The adoptive parents are responsible for the funds which have already been expended, but they do not lose the entire agency fee. The agency cannot legally make the birth parents repay any of the support they had been given. The adoptive parent’s profile will be shown to new birth parents and another match will be made in the future.
Do most of the birth mothers have Medicaid?
Most of the birth mothers are eligible for Medicaid, but must follow‐through with a lengthy application process. The agency will assist them with this as much as possible. If the birth mother is denied for Medicaid, the adoptive parents are responsible for the medical expenses associated with that case.
How long is the Home Study valid in Texas?
In Texas, the home study needs to be updated every twelve months.
What happens if we turn down a situation? Are we put at the bottom of the list?
We will continue showing your profile just as before. Remember the birth parents select the adoptive parents; we do not use a list system. All of the adoptive parents are shown when appropriate.
What is the process for birth parents to give up parental rights in Texas?
There are three kinds of birth parents in Texas: the
mother, the presumed father, and the alleged father.
The mother signs a document called a relinquishment of
parental rights. This cannot be signed less than 48
hours after the birth of the child, and it names Colores
Adoptions of Texas as the legal guardian of the child.
Once it is properly signed it is irrevocable.
The presumed father is a man who is married to the
mother, or was married to her within 300 days before the
child was born. He must follow the same process as the
mother.
The alleged father is a man who is not married to the
mother, but the mother has named him as a possible
father of the child. He can sign a waiver of his
parental rights at any time. It is irrevocable for the
purpose of the adoption.
Can the decision to place a child for adoption be undone?
Any relinquishment or waivers given to us are irrevocable upon execution. The only way that these documents can be ignored is if the judge finds that they were executed under fraud, duress, or coercion; or that terminating parental rights is not in the best interest of the child. Our process is designed to ensure that our documents will be valid.
What if the birth father is not participating?
- If the father is married to the mother, he will have to be served with notice by the court that we are attempting to terminate his parental rights. If he fails to appear at that hearing then his rights can be terminated.
- If the father is not married to the mother, it is his responsibility to sign up with the Texas Putative Father Registry. This is a state service that any man can register with to be notified that his parental rights may be in jeopardy. If he has not signed up, then his parental rights may be terminated without any further notice. If he has signed up, he must be notified of the termination of parental rights process and be given the opportunity to participate. A man has 30 days following the birth of the child to register, after that we may proceed with terminating his parental rights.
- Because judges understand that most people are not aware of the Registry, the Agency must make a good-faith effort to locate and contact any man named as a possible father of the child.
When is the child placed with us?
- The child will be placed with you immediately after the birthparents have signed their adoption paperwork. Usually this happens at the hospital, shortly after 48 hours following the birth of the child.
- In order to take placement of the child you will have to execute certain documents accepting the responsibilities of parenting, and any legal or medical risks associated with the adoption. Samples of these standard documents will be provided to you once you are matched.
What is the ICPC?
The ICPC is an agreement entered into by all the states that sets certain regulations on adoptions where the parents don’t live in the state where the child was born. It requires us to send copies of the adoption documents to state offices for approval before the child can leave the state of Texas. The process for approval usually takes 5 –10 business days.
What happens after we go back home?
Once you return home with the baby you will be in the “post-placement supervision” period. Unfortunately, you will have to comply with the Texas requirements, which can be a little more extensive than some other state’s requirements. You will need to have several meetings with your home study social worker over a six month period. We will need reports from each of those visits. Once we have everything we need, we can consent to you finalizing the adoption.
Do we have to finalized the adoption in Texas?
No. Although you can finalize the adoption in Texas if you wish, it is usually preferable to finalize the adoption in your home state.
Will the child's birth certificate have the biological parent's names?
No. Once your adoption is finalized in your home state, your lawyer needs to send a certified copy of the decree of adoption to us. We will file it with Texas, and the state will issue a birth certificate listing you as the parents of the child. Please be aware that the State of Texas will not list two parents of the same gender on the birth certificate; there is a space for a male parent and a space for a female parent.
Financial Resources
Financing Your Adoption
Although we work hard to keep our fees as low as possible for our adoptive families, we do know that adoptions can be costly. For this reason many grant foundations help defray the cost of adoption. Adoptive families residing in Texas may be eligible to receive aid from the state. Texas residents are also eligible to apply for many nationwide adoption grants. If you are financing your adoption, following are some links that may be helpful in finding financial assistance.
STATE ASSISTANCE
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services offers an adoption assistance program to help defray some of the costs associated with adopting a child with special needs. The program provides Medicaid health care coverage for the adopted child, which includes medical and dental care, eye care, medical equipment and psychiatric health care. Certain one-time expenses are eligible for reimbursement, up to $1,200 per adoption. Monthly payments are also provided to assist families with the child's needs. Payments are determined based upon the adoptive family's financial circumstances and the child's special needs.
ADOPTION GRANTS
ABBA Fund
Provides adoption assistance for Christian families with adoption grants through their Christian Family Adoption Grant Fund. Apply at https://abbafund.org/ to become a part of ABBA Fund’s growing community of families.
Gift of Adoption
The Gift of Adoption awards grants for U.S. citizens adopting domestically and internationally. Grants are awarded regardless of religion, race, age, marital status or sexual orientation. Applicants must have a completed home study from a licensed agency and submit a completed application, a copy of their most recent tax return and check stubs for all reported income earners, two letters of reference and a $50 application fee. Awarded grants range from $1,000 to $7,500. Apply at https://giftofadoption.org/ .
Show Hope
Show Hope has provided adoption grants to families adopting from the United States and more than 50 countries. Prospective families must have completed a home study and be working with a licensed adoption agency. A typical grant from Show Hope averages $4,000, taking into account the financial need of the family involved. Families must submit a completed application along with a cover letter, completed questionnaire, statement of faith, net worth worksheet, cash flow worksheet, adoption agency letter, home study, tax forms and letter of recommendation from their pastor. For more information visit www.showhope.org .
Help Us Adopt
Help Us Adopt awards grants in June and December, ranging from $500 to $15,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens demonstrating that they can provide a stable home environment but are facing significant financial difficulties and need help with adoption expenses. Applications are accepted from couples and individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, marital status or sexual orientation. Those applying must turn in a completed home study and cannot be pursuing infertility treatments. Priority is given to those who do not yet have children. Apply at https://www.helpusadopt.org/ .
God's Grace Adoption Ministry
Uses matching grants to help eligible families meet adoption expenses. For more information, visit their website at www.ggam.org/apply .
National Adoption Foundation
The NAF has proudly helped over six thousand adoptive parents since 1993 to successfully grow their families with financial assistance from grants, loans and various other programs. Apply at www.fundyouradoption.org/adoption-grants .
ADOPTION LOANS AND SUBSIDIES
America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU)
Provides personal loans to Christian couples. For more information visit www.americaschristiancu.com .
Lifesong for Orphans
Interest-free loans of $5,000 to $10,000 help couples overcome the initial “cash flow crunch” of adoption expenses. Maximize stewardship by utilizing the Federal Adoption Tax Credit offered by the government. Couples enter a covenant agreement to repay the loan through manageable payments. Repayments are used to help the current needs of new adopting families. For more information visit www.lifesongfororphans.org .
Adoption Tax Credit
The Adoption Tax Credit grants adoptive families a maximum income tax break to cover adoption expenses. Tax benefits for adoption include both a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses paid to adopt an eligible child and an exclusion for employer-provided adoption assistance. The credit is nonrefundable, which means it is limited to your tax liability for the year. The maximum amount (dollar limit) for 2014 is $13,190 per child. Colores Adoptions recommends that adoptive parents and prospective parents seek tax advice from a legal or tax professional. For more information visit the official webpage for the IRS adoption tax credit at www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html .
Hebrew Free Loan Association
Offers interest-free loans to Jewish adults who wish to adopt children internationally or domestically. A single person or couple may borrow up to $10,000 toward the expenses incurred for the adoption of a child. For more information visit www.hflasf.org .
Employer Adoption Benefits
A growing number of companies and government agencies are offering adoption benefits to their employees. Check with your employer to find out your company's policies. Benefits may include:
- Adoption information and referral services
- Legal expenses
- Agency fees
- Medical expenses
- Post adoption counseling
- Paid or unpaid leave time for the adoptive parent
- Financial reimbursement
- Military Reimbursements
The Department of Defense Adoption Reimbursement Program reimburses military
adoptive parents up to $2,000 per child. The maximum amount available in a given
year is $5,000, even if both parents are in the military. Reimbursement is made
after the adoption is finalized and if the adoption is completed through a licensed
agency. Qualifying expenses include agency fees, home study fees, medical fees,
legal fees and more.
A child with disabilities may also be eligible for up to $1,000 a month in
assistance under the military's program for persons with disabilities. In addition,
the military's Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to ensure that families
of children with special needs are assigned to duty stations where the child's needs
can be met.
For more information visit
militaryadoption.org
.
ADDITIONAL ADOPTION INFORMATION
How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option
This is a comprehensive electronic booklet that details the expenses common to most adoptions. The booklet is provided by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). The booklet is free and you may download HERE.
Find out more
Please call us or email us to find out how we can help you with your adoption plan:
Toll Free: 877-677-9373
Whatsapp: +1 337-274-9873
E-mail: [email protected]
