Your Agency: Choose your agency based on requirements and rapport. Trainings vary but most can license you to adopt a Heart Gallery child. Weigh the relationship, location and times of training and the benefits to working with that agency.

Paperwork!: Once selected, fill out the application, background check and have copies of proof of citizenship, marriage, divorces, income, etc. available quick!

Training: The different licenses may be on the level of the child- basic, moderate or severe and also on the number and ages of the children you are prepared for. Ask questions! All 18+ in your home must attend classes (average 40 hours)

Inspections: You will have to have a fire and safety inspection.

Home study: You will tell a stranger many personal details in the comfort of your home, really! Don’t worry. It is not scary. Just be yourself. They have to get to know you to match you to the correct child.

Choose a child: This will be based on the advice you have received in training and what your family is looking for.

Home study: Submit your home study (this has all of those details for matching purposes.) DFPS receives and read through a number of home studies on each child. (1-3 months) They will keep accepting home studies until a good match has occurred. The state is not great at responding quickly with their findings. It can be frustrating. Call or E-Mail us for an update and we will try to help!

Selection Staffing: There is a private panel that meets and reviews the suggestions of the case managers. They will decide if the match is appropriate.

Meet the child: Read the child’s files first! You will have the opportunity to review the entire file of the child, talk to their foster parents and workers to determine whether this is a match for your family. Review carefully and ask lots of questions.

Visit the child: You will visit at a park, in a restaurant, working where all are comfortable. When ready, the child will have overnight visits slowly merging into the move.

Negotiate: Legal fees are reimbursed up to $1,500. Some money may be available for medical or psychological needs. Texas children eligible for adoption assistance may receive a lifetime tuition and fee waiver at any State of Texas college or vocational program.

Consummate: After 6 months you will be able to hire an attorney to file the adoption petition and prepare the case for adoption consummation. Your child will have a separate attorney. (There may be attorney fee reimbursements.)