Choose your adoption path first
Adoption through the foster care system involves children in state conservatorship and the DFPS adoption process. Private adoption is arranged through an adoption agency, attorney, or other adoption professional. The preparation, matching, costs, and legal steps can differ.
A private agency may also work with DFPS, so ask which adoption path it handles. Matching Hearts currently focuses on adoption only. Ask the team to confirm its current programs before starting an application.
For the broader options, see Texas Family Resources' guide for adoptive parents and DFPS guidance on getting started with foster care adoption.
1. Start with an adoption agency or qualified professional
Unsure which professional to speak with? Our comparison of adoption agencies and attorneys in Texas explains questions about program support, individual legal advice, and how responsibilities can be coordinated.
A first conversation should help you understand the adoption path you are considering, what the agency handles, and which requirements apply to your family.
Looking for a local starting point? Read our Houston adoption agency information, including questions to ask Matching Hearts.
Ready to move from researching to applying? Our step-by-step guide to beginning a Texas adoption application explains what to ask an agency, which records may be needed, and how to prepare for your first conversation.
What to prepare for your first inquiry
- Your location and stage: share your city and state, and whether you are researching adoption or ready to ask about an application.
- Your broad adoption questions: describe the path you are exploring, or say that you need help understanding the options.
- Questions about services and preparation: ask which adoption programs the agency handles, whether it works with families where you live, who handles the home study, and how to obtain its current requirements checklist.
- Questions about the next step: request written information on fees, payment schedules, refund policies, and what happens after an inquiry.
You can contact Matching Hearts with a brief introduction and your questions. Keep the initial message general; wait for the provider's instructions before sending identity documents, financial records, health records, or other confidential information.
2. Complete the required preparation
Preparation may include an application, references, identification, background checks, training or education, financial and health information, and other documentation. Requirements differ by adoption type. Before ordering records or paying for an assessment, confirm the application steps for the specific program you are considering.
3. Complete the home study
The home study is a formal assessment of the prospective adoptive family and household. It can include interviews, a home visit, background information, finances, relationships, safety, support systems, and readiness to adopt.
Read the adoption home-study guide
4. Matching
Matching should consider the child's needs and circumstances along with the prospective family's ability and readiness to meet those needs. The process varies depending on the type of adoption.
Learn how adoption matching works and what to ask
5. Placement
Placement is when the child begins living with the adoptive family. Depending on the adoption path, transition planning, post-placement visits, reports, or other requirements may follow.
6. Finalization
Finalization is the court process that legally completes the adoption. Required reports, legal work, hearings, and timing depend on the case.
General information only. This guide is educational and is not legal advice. Adoption requirements and procedures can change. Matching Hearts can confirm the process it currently handles and what applies to your family.