A caseworker may learn of a potential out-of-state placement when:

  •  contacted by an agency from out-of-state;

  •  contacted by a family from out-of-state;

  •  identifying a potential family on the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) through the child’s inquiry log or other adoption exchange. See 6980 Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE); or

  •  identifying a potential family through TARE’s Family Registry.

If an out-of-state agency family initiates the contact, the TARE coordinator or CPS caseworker must:

  •  obtain the family’s name and phone number;

  •  obtain the name and phone number of the family’s caseworker;

  •  inform the family that Texas CPS will contact their caseworker for a copy of their home screening, if it is not on file with TARE; or

  •  inform the family that the TARE coordinator has located the copy of the family’s home screening that they placed on file with TARE and Texas CPS will notify their caseworker of their expressed interest.

The TARE coordinator or CPS caseworker may choose to have a preliminary discussion about the child or sibling group with a confirmed, approved, and ready to adopt out-of-state family. However, if possible, the conversation should include the family’s caseworker.

If a preliminary discussion with a confirmed, approved, and ready to adopt out-of-state family was held without their caseworker and the family expresses continued interest, then the TARE coordinator or CPS caseworker who held the discussion is responsible for immediately contacting the family’s caseworker. The family’s caseworker is advised of the preliminary discussion points and the family’s continued interest.

If an out-of-state family is confirmed, approved, and ready to adopt and the family is be to presented at a Selection Staffing, the family’s caseworker must be advised and invited to participate in the meeting.

Once a family has been selected and has agreed to pursue adoption, then the TARE coordinator or CPS caseworker discusses out-of-state placement issues with regional staff of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) and the family’s caseworker.