817.792.4409 www.adoptchildren.org www.dfps.state.tx.us
North Texas RegionalPlacement Collaboration
• We are a collaboration of partner agencies that work together for the purpose of recruiting,
training, and retaining foster families.
• Each agency holds a license & contract with the Texas Department of Family and
Protective Services, and All agencies represented have access to ALL of the children in
the custody of the state.
• Every agency has a unique mission and vision, so families should carefully consider each
agency to find which is the best fit for their family.
Selecting an Agency
• Review the Child Placing Agencies Grid to narrow down a “short list” of
agencies that would be a good fit for your family
• Review the detailed profiles in the folder
• Contact the agency or agencies that appear to be the best match for your
family
• Choose One agency and then let them know that you’ve chosen to partner
with them
• Complete the Agency Selection Form (mark the One agency you chose) and
mail it to address listed on the form.
A Child’s JourneyThrough
“The System”
AdoptionAdoptionAdoptionAdoptionReunificatioReunificationn
ReunificatioReunificationn
Legal/Ongoing Foster Legal/Ongoing Foster CareCare
Legal/Ongoing Foster Legal/Ongoing Foster CareCare
Family Based Safety
Services
Family Based Safety
Services
InvestigationInvestigationInvestigationInvestigation
Community Report to
Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-252-5400
Community Report to
Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-252-5400
Number of Children in Foster Care and Waiting for Adoption
(as of Oct 2010)
State Total for Foster Care: 16,643
Region 3 Total for Foster Care: 2,975
State Total Legally Free for Adoption: 5,725
Region 3 Legally Free for Adoption: 961
Ethnicity of Region 3 Children in Foster Care and Waiting for Adoption
(as of Oct 2010)
White35%
Other1% Biracial
1%
African American39%
Asian1%
American Indian0%
Hispanic23%
Foster Care
• Temporary
• Goal is Reunification
• Children are in the custody of the State
• Foster families work with birth families
• Successful foster families have a support network of people who can
encourage and assist them.
Foster-to-Adopt (Dual-Licensed)
• Must approach as foster care
• Committed to plan for Reunification
• Children are in the custody of the State
• Foster families work with birth families
• Will likely care for several children before a child stays for adoption
Foster Children Receive• Insurance Coverage for Doctors, Dentists, Vision and Counseling
• Education in Neighborhood Schools
• Permission to go on Family Vacations, in country
• Reimbursement for Care provided to foster parents and intended to help
offset the cost of caring for the child
Adoption• Birth Parent’s rights have been terminated
• These are the children represented on the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange
website (www.adoptchildren.org)
• Families are selected for child(ren) based on ability to meet the needs of the child
• The child(ren) will live in the adoptive home for at least 6 months before the
adoption can be finalized in the court.
• Permanent or “Forever Family”
Children Receiving Special Recruitment
Sibling Groups of 3 (or more) children
School Age ChildrenAges 9 - 17
Children with Primary Medical Needs
Special Needs Adoption Criteria:
• 6 years or older
• Racial/ethnic minority and 2 years or older
• Placed for adoption as a sibling group
• Lifelong handicapping condition
Special Needs Families May Receive:
• Medicaid
• Monthly Subsidy
• Non-Recurring Adoption Expenses
• College Tuition and Fees at a State School and
some Vocational and Technical Schools
All Adoptive Families have access to Post Adoption
Services, including Counseling & Respite Care
• Over 21
• Single, divorced, married, or widowed
• No major life changes or challenges
within the past year
• Background checks including
electronic fingerprinting
• Pre-Service Training
• Documentation to meet Minimum
Standards and Agency Policies
• Inspections (fire & health)
• Adequate Space
• Positive Home Study
• No physical discipline
Basic RequirementsThese requirements can vary by agency—please speak with the agencies that appear to
be a good match with your family to determine their specific requirements.
• Information meeting
• Select one Agency and then let them know that you’ve chosen to
partner with them
• Complete the Agency Selection Form and mail to address on the form
• The Agency you choose will guide you through the next steps of the
verification process
Steps in the Process
THEN WHO?THEN WHO?
IF NOT YOU…IF NOT YOU…