For any child adopted from DFPS conservatorship to be eligible for adoption assistance (either Title IV-E or state paid), the following requirements must be met:

• The child must meet the definition of a child with special needs, as described in 1711.2 Determining Whether a Child Has Special Needs.
• The home into which the child is placed for adoption must be approved as an adoptive home in accordance with the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies in Texas (or in accordance with applicable law, if the adoptive home is in another state). This includes a requirement that a home in Texas has an approved home screening and meets the Texas requirements about prohibited criminal and abuse or neglect history.
• The adoptive parent or parents must sign an adoption assistance agreement before the consummation of the adoption. There are limited exceptions to this requirement, as explained in 1719.2 Adoption Assistance Agreement Was Not Signed before the Adoption’s Consummation.
• The child must not be adopted internationally. See 1712.3 International Adoptions.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.803