Where do the children you place come from?

Children and Family Institute is a private adoption agency that has a contract with the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS) to assist them in placing children who are available for adoption.  The parental rights of the children were terminated as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment.  We also have infant adoptions from birthparents that choose to place their babies for adoption.

How is CFI different from Texas Dept. of Protective and Regulatory Services?

CFI is a private, Christian non-profit adoption agency.  We do our own screening, training, home studies etc.  Our training is usually completed in 8-20 hours, depending on the type of adoption you are wanting.  Adoptive parents of CFI agency newborns require 8 hours of training.  Adoptive parents of TDPRS children and foster parents require 20 hours of training.  Additional, individualized training is provided after placement.  CFI searches for children all over the state of Texas; we are not limited to your local area.  We are also able to give our clients the personal attention they want and deserve.  You will work closely with 1 or 2 people who will assist you through the entire adoption process.  CFI is also available to assist you with resources and support after the adoption is finalized.

What does the training cover?  Where is it located and how is training handled if I live outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth Area?

Training covers a wide variety of topics relevant to prospective adoptive parents, such as how adoption will impact your family, the adoption process, types of abuse a State child may have encountered, separation and loss issues related to a child's birth family, attachment issues, discipline etc.
Training is normally held at Children & Family Institute's office in South Dallas - off I-20 and Highway 67.  It is usually held on Saturdays for the convenience of our working families.  Families that live within close proximity are asked to attend regularly scheduled training sessions.  For families that live far away, arrangements can be made to meet individualized needs on a case by case basis.

How long does it take to adopt?

The wait for a child to be placed in your home depends greatly on the age, race, number of children, and special needs you are willing to work with. The majority of the families who adopt through our agency have an adoptive placement in about 6 to 12 months, sometimes sooner.  Families who are interested in school-age sibling groups usually have the shortest wait.  The wait for an infant is usually 4-12 months.

How much does it cost to adopt?

There are no fees to adopt children from TDPRS.  However, CFI charges a Home Study Fee, which is determined on a sliding scale based on your family's annual income.  If you adopt a child from TDPRS, this Home Study Fee is reimbursed to you.  Newborn home study and placement fees are also based on your family's annual income in order to make adoption affordable.

Can single people adopt?

Yes, Singles can adopt. The Adoption process is the same as for a two-parent family. Singles can adopt infants and the process takes approximately 4 - 12 months. The wait for a child from the state is longer. In order to reduce the wait for a state child, it is recommended that you consider a school age child or sibling group. You make the decision on the type of child you want.