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By Rick Navarrete
Attorney

What is the process to adopt a child from foster care?

Recently, Bastrop County held a special adoption day.  Twenty-eight children from 17 different families found forever homes at the Bastrop County Courthouse as a part of November’s National Adoption Awareness Month.  In a courtroom lovingly decorated with balloons and banners, adoptions were processed one by one.  The newly formed families cheered as their long-held dreams became a reality with the adoptions finalized.  

Consider Adopting From Foster Care 

There are currently over 3,900 children waiting to be adopted in the state of Texas.  Nationally, there are more than 100,000 children in foster care.  Children enter the foster care system through no fault of their own.  These children often come from families with a history of neglect, abuse, incarceration, drug issues, and the like.  Children taken from their homes are placed into foster care while the birth parents are allowed an opportunity to reunite with their children if they can complete a specific set of requirements developed by the court.

Fewer than half of all foster children are ever returned to their birth families.  The remainder of children will become available for adoption.  Children in foster care range in ages from infants to teens.  Foster care children desperately need loving families to provide them with security.  For parents interested in adopting from foster care, the process is far faster and less expensive than most other types of adoption. 

The Process of Adopting From Foster Care 

As you start the process of potentially adopting a child from foster care, you will need to first do your research.  Schedule a consultation with an adoption attorney who can walk you through the adoption process and explore your adoption options.  You will need to prove to the court that you are financially stable and responsible in order to adopt.  You need not be married.  You will have to complete a home study which will include discussions with all members of the family. 
Adopting can be the first step towards completing your family.  Contact an adoption law attorney today to start the adoption journey.  Adoption can be confusing and nerve-wracking, but with the help of your adoption lawyer, you can experience the joys of adding to your family.

About the Author
Rick Navarrete, a graduate of Angelo State University and Texas Tech University School of Law, has been serving the Permian Basin for over 24 years, with his practice extending across Texas. Specializing in criminal defense and family law, Rick has tried hundreds of cases before juries and judges, including high-profile matters. His extensive experience has honed a deep understanding of the law, enabling him to effectively prosecute, defend, and protect his clients’ interests. Rick has built a firm culture that prioritizes exceptional client service and personalized attention. Known for his zealous courtroom advocacy, he is equally dedicated to educating his clients throughout the litigation process. This commitment has earned him a reputation as one of the area’s most sought-after trial attorneys. Rick is an active member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Texas Family Law Section, and the Administration of Rules of Evidence Committee for the State Bar of Texas. He has also served as President of the Midland County Young Lawyers Association and on the Bar Leadership Committee of the State Bar of Texas. Among his many accolades, Rick has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer and included in the Best Lawyers in America.