1. 817.792.4409 www.adoptchildren.org www.dfps.state.tx.us

2. North Texas Regional Placement 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.

3. 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.

4. A Child’s Journey Through “The System” AdoptionAdoptionReunificationReunification Legal/Ongoing Foster Care Family Based Safety Services InvestigationInvestigation Community Report to Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-800-252-5400

5. 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

6. Ethnicity of Region 3 Children in Foster Care and Waiting for Adoption (as of Oct 2010)

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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”

11. Children Receiving Special Recruitment Sibling Groups of 3 (or more) children School Age Children Ages 9 - 17 Children with Primary Medical Needs

12. 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

13. 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 Requirements These 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.

14. 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

15. THEN WHO? IF NOT YOU…