Whether you’re one of our current foster care parents looking to adopt, or completely new to the adoptive process, we want to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Below you’ll find an overview of the adoption process.

How it works:

When it comes to our adoption service program, we utilize a multidisciplinary team approach that involves all the parties integral to the child’s ongoing care and welfare. This collaborative approach provides carefully coordinated efforts aimed at making the entire adoptive process beneficial to the child and parents alike. Since the children in our program come to us through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), many of them have undergone abuse and neglect, and find themselves experiencing the trauma associated with family separation. Our desire is to minimize the anxiety and maximize the experience for all involved.

The ACH adoption program provides adoptive families with all the tools they’ll need to make an educated adoption decision, as well as the resources to incorporate their new child into their family successfully, including invaluable insights on attachment principles, trauma informed care, and grief and loss. The adoption staff will utilize these treatment models to assess behaviors and needs, and to develop services for the child and adoptive family.

As part of the ACH family, you’ll be a vital team member helping make important decisions about a child’s life. You’ll work alongside your Adoption Specialist and Child Protective Services to ensure that the health, educational, recreational and therapeutic needs of the child you adopt are met. You’ll be able to tap into nearly a century's worth of experience helping children and families.

What does it take?

Adoption is a big step and requires careful thought and planning. There are a lot of factors to consider when adopting, including the age and gender of the child, their past family history, possible health or medical conditions, timing, and assimilation issues, as well as separation anxiety concerns. One of the most important first steps is determining whether adoption is right for you and your family. We can assist you in this important evaluation process, but ultimately the decision is up to you. A great first step in this process is deciding whether you meet the qualifications.

Qualifications for Adoption:

Because the role of an adoptive parent is so important, the following qualifications must me met before you can even be considered as a candidate:

• Capacity to love and nurture children
• Can be married, single or divorced
• High school diploma or GED
• At least 21 years of age
• Legal U.S. resident
• Texas driver’s license, proof of insurance and dependable vehicle
• Must have a working telephone
• In good or well-managed health
• Maintain financial self-sufficiency
• Have adequate sleeping space
• Stability – no major transitions within the last year
• Demonstrate an open and accepting attitude of persons from different cultures, family backgrounds and life experiences, with openness to long-term and short-term care

Adoption Requirements:

All potential adoptive parents must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adults. They must also complete the following requirements:

• Home study – includes an inspection of your home, background, financial stability, parenting skills, marriage (if applicable), and other aspects of your life.
• Background check – all adults in your home will need to complete a criminal history background check, as well as an abuse and neglect check.
• Training – potential adoptive parents are required to complete 30 hours of pre-service curriculum, developed by ACH Child and Family Services, which incorporates many models.

ACH only handles domestic adoptions. For a U.S. citizen, it means adopting a child who is a U.S. citizen, even if the child has been born in a foreign country (for example, to a U.S. military mother living overseas). For a foreign citizen living in the U.S., it means adopting a child living in the U.S., and who is a U.S. citizen.

How much does it cost?

When you become licensed as an adoptive parent through ACH Child and Family Services, we take care of all the costs, from your licensing to all required training, as well as TB and drug testing. There are some costs that you might incur such as updating vaccinations for your pets, or taking a trip to the physician so that they can verify your health status. Otherwise, the entire process is covered. Once the licensing process is completed, you will be reimbursed for the following requirements:

• Fingerprinting
• Fire inspection

What does ACH not cover?

ACH cannot cover the legal fees associated with adoption. When it comes time to adopt a child placed in your home, you may utilize an attorney of your choice. Legal fees will be decided by that attorney. ACH will help you determine if your child qualifies for any adoption subsidies, and if so, legal fees may be reimbursed following the adoption.

What is ACH’s coverage area?

While we can license adoptive parents throughout the DFW area and into surrounding counties such as Johnson, Hood, Parker, Wise and Denton Counties, our main concern is proximity. We want our licensed adoptive parents to be located close enough to our offices so that we are able to assist them throughout their adoptive experience, providing timely help for everything from everyday issues to crisis situations. We do not currently license families outside of North Texas.

What kind of support can I expect?

Making the decision to adopt a child is not an easy one. There are many factors to consider and you have probably heard horror stories of those who have tried to adopt and were faced with long waiting lists and frustrating delays. At ACH, we do everything in our power to make each adoption handled by our agency as pleasant and hassle-free as possible. Our experienced and dedicated team of adoption specialists will work alongside you each step of the way, providing a range of helpful services. We take our nearly 100 years of experience working with children and families and make it available to you. Our team is ready to assist you, virtually around the clock, providing support, insight, and resources designed to make your adoption a successful one.

Is ACH a religious organization?

While we are not affiliated with any specific religious denomination and receive no funding as part of the budget of any religious organization, ACH has been nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and believes that faith relationships and faith communities can be a vital source of support for children and families. We do not require our adoptive parents to be members of or active in a specific denomination or faith community. Yet, we do acknowledge the positive benefits that spiritual connections can play in raising a child.

What’s the next step?

If you think adoption is right for you, simply follow the directions below to begin the application process. If you have additional questions, or would simply like to talk to someone from the ACH staff, call us at 817-886-7140.

• Download and complete the Foster/Adoptive Parent Application
• or complete the Contact Form to receive a return call
• or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details about our next orientation or pre-service class

You can also click on our Getting Started link below for more detailed information.