Parties to An Adoption

Texas

An adult

A child residing in the State if:

• The rights of the parents have been terminated

• The petitioner is a stepparent

• The child is at least 2 years old, and the petitioner is a former stepparent who:

o Has cared for the child at least 6 months, and the non-terminated parent consents

o Has had care, possession, and control of the child for at least 1 year

• The child's natural or adoptive parent

• The child's legal guardian

• A licensed child-placing agency

Schedule of Hearings
Citation: §§ 40-11-12.1; 40-11-12.2
A permanency hearing shall be held:

• Within 12 months of the child's placement in care; at least every 12 months thereafter
• Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify are not required

• All parties
• The foster parents
• Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child

• The appropriateness of the service plan
• What services have been offered
• Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child

• Return to the parent
• Adoption
• Legal guardianship
• Placement with a fit and willing relative
• Another planned permanent living arrangement

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

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