The caseworker must inform the adoptive parents of the services available to support the adoption, including counseling services and support groups.

The caseworker must also provide the prospective adoptive parents with the options available if the adoptive parent becomes unable to care for the adopted child, including:

  •  legal transfer of custody to a relative;

  •  seeking a private adoption;

  •  working with the parents’ post-adopt provider about the possibility of post-adopt substitute care; or

  •  working with the child placing agency that placed the child for adoption regarding any additional services.

The caseworker must inform the adoptive parents that it is it illegal to informally transfer the custody of an adopted child to a person, unless:

  •  the person to whom custody is being transferred is a relative or stepparent of the child or an adult who has a significant long-standing relationship with the child, or

  •  the transfer of custody is a formal transfer of custody of the child through a court.

Texas Family Code §162.603External Link

See DFPS Adoption Support Programs.