A family adopting a child with special needs may be reimbursed for nonrecurring (one-time) adoption expenses if both of the following apply:

• The child is placed for adoption by DFPS or placed in Texas by a licensed child-placing agency (LCPA).
• An adoption assistance agreement is signed before consummation of the adoption.

The adoptive family may seek up to $1,200 per child in reimbursement of expenses for reasonable and necessary adoption fees, which may include the following:

• Fees paid to child-placing agencies.
• Court costs.
• Attorney’s fees.
• Other fees directly related to legal completion of the adoption.

DFPS reimburses the adoptive family after the adoption is consummated and the family has provided DFPS with proof of payment. The family must also show that reimbursement for the expenses is not available from another source.

If DFPS receives a request for reimbursement more than 18 months after the adoption’s consummation, DFPS may refer the request to the Comptroller of Public Accounts for processing as a miscellaneous claim.

Exception: A stepparent who adopts his or her stepchild does not qualify for reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.850External Link