Becoming a foster parent and adopting children who need a forever loving home

This article was originally published on The Barrows Firm Captain's Log on August 12, 2016 at https://bit.ly/2aSeMUO

There are many young children in Texas who are waiting to be adopted, and most of them are in the foster care system. In years past, movies and television programs often depicted youngsters living in group orphanage homes. In reality, most children are placed with foster parents when they are no longer in the care and custody of their natural parents. One reason children are removed from birth parents is the presence of drugs or alcohol at birth, at which time the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) may remove the child, and place them in foster care. Domestic violence and other criminal matters can lead to children being removed from a birth parent and placed in foster care. While some children remain for an extended time with foster parents, the arrangement is not permanent, unless the foster parent chooses to adopt the child.

People who know they want to adopt, may find out becoming a foster parent is a great first step.

In Texas, the foster parent program is a good starting point for people who want to adopt a child. There are many benefits to becoming a foster parent. Especially if you have not had children before, becoming a foster parent can help you learn more about your parenting style and how to adapt to life with children before you make a forever commitment to adopt a child.

The first step in becoming a foster parent in Texas is to attend an informational meeting where you learn the requirements of being a foster or adoptive parent. Generally, you must be at least 21 years old, financially stable and a responsible mature adult.

Extensive training and education helps prepare people to become foster parents.[i]

After the informational meeting and application process with DFPS, if you are selected to proceed in the process you will be invited to meet with DFPS staff to talk about becoming a foster parent. Next you will attend a training course through DFPS as well as completing the Parent Resource Information Development Education (PRIDE) course. Applicants to become foster parents must also complete any additional training required by the state, including universal precautions training, psychotropic medication training, and First Aid and CPR training.

A final step in becoming a foster parent is the family home study, where a caseworker from DFPS will visit with you in your home and discuss personal histories and family interests. The caseworker will be interested in learning your existing childcare experience and how you are best able to meet the needs of a child. The caseworker prepares a report based on their recommendations after the family home study and may suggest a child who may be the best match for your family.

Adopt your foster child when you are ready to make the forever commitment.

After you are approved as a foster parent and have been matched with a foster child and things have been going well, you can apply to adopt your foster child by filing an adoption petition with the court. Adoption petitions involving currently placed foster children and parents are relatively quick and easy. Once you adopt a foster child you can obtain new vital records such as a social security number and birth certificate once the adoption is approved and ordered by the court at the final adoption hearing.

While you do not necessarily need an attorney to represent you through the process of becoming a foster parent, it may be helpful, especially if you are concerned about any wrinkles along the way. After being placed with a foster child with whom the bond develops your attorney will lead you through the filing of an adoption petition and a final hearing.

The Barrows Firm shares important information and resources about the foster parent and adoption process. If you need more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, The Barrows Firm can help answer your additional questions.

If you would like more information about The Barrows Firm, P.C., please contact the firm by calling (817) 481-1583. The Barrows Firm is located downtown Fort Worth at 500 East Belknap Street, near the Tarrant County Courthouse and the Tarrant County Family Law Center.

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[i] Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Steps to Become a Foster/Adoptive Parent