Texas Adoption FAQs

Generally 9 to 18 months from approval of your formal adoption application, although, in some circumstances it can happen much faster.

Yes, she can change her mind until she signs the relinquishment paperwork. This usually happens 48 to 72 hours after the child is born, once those documents are signed she can no longer change her mind.

In many cases, quite a lot. We attempt to obtain a thorough and comprehensive health, social, education, and genetic history on the birthparents, when possible. We also attempt to obtain testing for HIV, STD's, and illegal drugs.

We are always focused on the child's best interest, in ever case. Matching children with a caring home is Cradle of Life Adoption Agency’s top priority.

Licensed agencies are able to provide more services to adoptive parents and birthparents. Non-licensed individuals involved in the adoption process may be committing a crime in Texas when they match a couple and a Expectant Parent. They may also be committing a felony in Texas if they provide the Expectant Parent with any financial aid, other than necessary medical and legal expenses. Generally, there is less financial and emotional risk for the adoptive couple when adopting through a licensed agency. When working with Cradle of Life Adoption Agency, they will continue to facilitate the relationship between the birth parent, adoptive parent, and child throughout the child's life.

You must be willing to accept either gender. It may be normal to want a particular sex just as you may have that wish if you first learned you were pregnant, but if your Expectant Parent chooses you, we don't put her in the position of having to choose another family if she gives birth to the other sex.

Please contact us for fee information. The fee is partly based on the birth parent's need for housing, counseling and medical treatment. This is subject to change. The home study fee is $2,500.

Contact us, we’ll discuss your options, answer your questions and help you make an informed decision. You won't be contacted unless and until you are ready. Your contact with us will be strictly confidential.

It is never too late or too early. If your child is already born, we can work with you on an accelerated basis to make your adoption plans. If you have just learned you are pregnant and want to explore your options, we can provide you with information to help you make your decision.

Cradle of Life Adoption Agency can provide many more services for you than individuals in the adoption process. It is illegal in Texas for non-agencies to provide you with any financial assistance, such as housing or other living expenses, regardless of how much assistance you need.

Families who apply to adopt with Cradle of Life Adoption Agency must successfully complete a thorough screening process. You will have the confidence that your child will be placed with a stable, loving family.

Individuals who advertise in the paper or who might be a friend of a friend may not have been thoroughly investigated. Sometimes you can't "judge a book by its cover." The investigation may reveal things that could be very important about the stability or character of someone, which isn't readily apparent otherwise. You are entrusting someone with your child. You deserve that level of confidence.

Yes, you may review "profiles" of various adoptive families to assist you in your decision.

Yes, if you desire. The time of the meeting will depend on the adoptive plan you and the agency develop.

Again, yes, if you desire. The extent of the contacts, and whether you want letters, photos, or actual visits, will depend on the adoption plan you and the agency develop.

We want your decision to be made when you are ready. You will not be allowed to sign any permanent legal papers until your baby is at least 48 hours old. That means you have at least two days to consider your decision. Once you do sign, it is permanent and irrevocable.

No, not unless they have had actual legal custody of your child.

No, unless in the rare occasion the birthfather has attempted to disrupt your adoption plan

In most cases, immediately upon discharge from the hospital.