Knowing how to start an adoption can be a difficult and confusing process. Whether you are a woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or a prospective adoptive couple looking to build your family in Carrollton, Texas, understanding what services are available to you is step number one.
This guide will outline the different types of professionals available to you for your adoption in Carrollton, as well as describe just some of the services they can provide you through your adoption journey.
Below, we’ve listed both national and local professionals that serve the state of Texas. We’ve included the local offices of these professionals, where applicable.
Private Domestic Adoption Agencies in Carrollton, TX
As you begin researching adoption in Carrollton, you’ll find an almost insurmountable number of articles and information. How do you know what to look for and what information is important to know? Luckily we’re here to help you, starting with private domestic adoption in Carrollton.
A domestic adoption is the most common type of adoption and is typically completed using one of two types of agencies.
First, a full-service national agency — which may have a local office in your area —has numerous resources and services for your adoption, such as:
- Shorter-than-average wait times
- 24/7 counseling and educational support services
- Financial assistance
- Adoption and hospital plan development
- Nationwide access to prospective birth mothers and adoptive families
The benefits of working with a larger agency with national licensing and resources is the overall comfort and care you get every step of the way.
If travel is a concern, you may opt to work with a local Carrollton, TX, adoption agency. The two benefits most people enjoy with a local agency is the lack of travel and the ability to adopt from within their own community.
Both are excellent options for a domestic adoption in Carrollton. Contact any of the following agencies for more information.
- American Adoptions
700 N. Carroll Ave.
Southlake, TX 76092
- Adoption Answers, Inc.
9753 Forney Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76244
- Adoption Alliance
- Circles of Care
4104 McEwan Road
Farmers Branch, TX 75244
- Lifetree Adoption Agency
5220 Spring Valley Road, #500
Dallas, TX 75254
International Adoption Agencies in Carrollton
In some cases, you may find that an international adoption is something that interests your family. There are significant differences with international adoptions, specifically in the laws associated with the process. Understanding those laws and regulations for bringing a child into the country are important before deciding on this type of adoption.
You’ll want to find an agency which specializes in international adoptions and international adoption laws. Contact any of these agencies for more information.
- Hope International
5944 Luther Lane, #875
Dallas, TX 75225
Carrollton Foster Care Professionals
There are other ways to adopt besides domestic or international adoption. Foster care adoption in Carrollton is something to consider. It takes a special person to care and nurture a child while they await reunification with their biological parent(s). During the process, you may find that you want to permanently adopt your foster child into your home. If reunification isn’t possible, you can determine eligibility for adoption; however, be prepared for adopting an older child, a sibling group or a child with special needs.
Contacting one of these organizations will help provide more information on foster-to-adopt in Carrollton, TX:
- The Bair Foundation Child & Family Ministries
3630 N. Josey Lane, Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75007
- Texas Department of Families and Protective Services
1712 West Frankford Road, Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75007
- Lonestar Social Services
3720 Rawlins St., Suite C
Dallas, TX 75219
- Buckner Foster Care & Adoption
700 N. Pearl St. #1200
Dallas, TX 75201
Adoption Attorneys in Carrollton
As you progress through your Carrollton adoption, you will encounter various legal steps and hurdles — which can be confusing and frustrating without the help of a licensed adoption attorney.
A full-service national agency and a local agency can refer you to an adoption attorney, but you may want to find one independently. You always have the right to voluntarily locate outside legal representation for your adoption should you choose to.
Here are a few local Carrollton adoption attorneys available to you.
- Brown, Pruitt, Wambsganss, Dean, Forman & Moore, P.C.
201 Main St., Suite 801
Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law
1901 Airport Freeway
Bedford, TX 76021
- Lisa G. Garza
10670 N. Central Expressway, Suite 450
Dallas, TX 75231
- Baylor Family Law
9500 Ray White Road, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76244
Carrollton Adoption Home Study Providers
When it comes to determining your readiness as a parent for adoption, there is no bigger step than the adoption home study. This step in your Carrollton adoption journey is monumental; you’ll need specific and direct guidance and education in order to pass it with flying colors.
The home study will include background checks, financial records, health records and more. Knowing the ins and outs of the process will not only help you get through it without speed bumps, but also give you peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything you can to prepare for it.
Your adoption agency may be licensed to complete this step in your state, but if they aren’t, you will need to contact one independently in order to complete your Texas home study.
- American Adoptions
700 N. Carroll Ave.
Southlake, TX 76092
- Adoption Answers, Inc.
9753 Forney Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76244
- Legacy Adoption Services
701 Commerce St., #110
Dallas, TX 7520
Hospitals in Carrollton
Among the many decisions you will make during your Carrollton adoption, the choice of a hospital is one of the most important ones. This will be done when you and your adoption professional develop a hospital birth plan.
When considering hospitals, you need to think about your comfort and safety. When you walk into the hospital for labor, you should feel confident you are going to receive the very best care. Other things to consider include the specific individuals allowed at the hospital with you, whether or not you plan on nursing and more. Don’t worry about the cost; when you place your child for adoption in Carrollton, TX, all of your medical expenses will be covered.
Take some time to research these local hospitals.
- Carrollton Regional Medical Center
4343 N. Josey Lane
Carrollton, TX 75010
- Texas Health Presbyterian
6200 W. Parker Road
Plano, TX 75093
Carrollton Adoption Courts
It’s time to celebrate! The completion of your Carrollton adoption comes at the finalization hearing. This short — about 30 minutes —hearing will take place after the judge has reviewed your entire adoption and determined it can now be legal and official. Think about which family members you want with you for this momentous occasion. Take pictures and celebrate the official addition of your child to your family.
For more information on what to expect during your finalization hearing, visit the Dallas County Courthouse. Because Carrollton covers multiple counties, your actual finalization hearing could take place anywhere in the general area including Denton, Collin, or Dallas. Your adoption attorney or agency will tell you exactly where.
Places to Visit During Your Carrollton Adoption
With Carrollton sprawling across the Dallas area through multiple counties, there are plenty of options here for local sightseeing. You may find that your visit to Carrollton comes with enough down time to get out and experience the local flavor, so take advantage of this free time and visit some of these local attractions.
- Arbor Hill Nature Preserve
- Cavanaugh Flight Museum
- Crayola Experience
- Addison Circle Park
- Historic Downtown Carrollton
If you are ready to speak to a Carrollton adoption professional about infant adoption, we can connect you to a specialist in your area today once you’ve filled out these forms for placing a baby for adoption or adopting a baby.