Parties to An Adoption
Texas
Who May Adopt
Statute: Fam. Code § 162.001
An adult
Who May Be Adopted
Statute: Fam. Code § 162.001
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
Who May Place a Child for Adoption
Statute: Fam. Code § 162.025
• The child's
natural or adoptive parent
• The child's
legal guardian
• A licensed
child-placing agency
Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children
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
Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings
Citation: § 40-11.12.1
- All parties
- The foster parents
- Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child
Determinations Made at Hearings
Citation: § 40-11.12.1
- The appropriateness of the service plan
- What services have been offered
- Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child
Permanency Options
Citation: § 40-11.12.2
- 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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