Adoption Inquiry Packet

To learn more about the adoption process, you can download the Adoption Inquiry Packet or you can complete the contact us form and we will mail it to you.

Financial Assistance

Do not lose hope if you think you are not that financially stable to pursue an Adoption. There are a number of ways for you to cope with this difficulty. See our Financial Assistance Section for more information.

Testimonials

"We are confident that Adoption Services Worldwide, Inc. will remain a distinct and special agency because of their professionalism and concern for their clients and for birth mothers." -- John and Alyssa V.

Frequently Asked Questions by Adoptive Parents

Can I adopt through your agency even if I don't live in Texas?

Yes. Parents who are not living in the state of Texas are allowed to adopt a child in Texas.

How long do I have to stay in Texas after placement?

Pending any unforseen delays; we like to tell our adoptive parents to plan on staying in Texas for 7-10 days post-placment. This time allows for paperwork to be submitted and approved at the Interstate Compact offices in Texas and your home state

Do we have to finalize the adoption in San Antonio?

Yes. You are required to finalize in Texas, and at least one adoptive parent needs to return to San Antonio for finalization.

Are there any loans or special financial programs available for prospective adoptive families?

Yes. We will provide that information upon request.

What does "semi-open adoption" mean?

It means that our birth mothers know only first names of the adoptive family and geographical region where the adoptive family lives.If agreed upon, our birth mothers speak on the phone with the adoptive parents throughout the pregnancy and meet during the pregnancy or at the time of birth.

Do we have to maintain contact with the Birth mother?

All correspondence between the Birth mother and adoptive parents will be forwarded by the Agency. The exchange of letters and photos occurs monthly during the first 6 months after placement, thereafter updates are provided on the child's birthday until age 5. If the adoptive family chooses they can provide updates until the age of 18. The adoptive family may continue contact with the Birth mother after the supervisory period is over if agreed upon. Identifying information (such as last name, and/or street address) is not shared unless agreed upon by both birth and adoptive families. We strive to cultivate a genuine bond of trust and respect which grows between participants, with the expressed purpose to meet the best interest of all parties.

Can we state the preference for the sex of our child?

Yes, although specifying sex preferences are likely to decrease your opportunities and slow your adoption process dramatically. Birth mothers generally choose their baby's adoptive family before knowing the child's sex. Sonograms can be incorrect.

Can the birthmother change her mind about the adoption plan? What are some of the senarios th at may cause the Birth Mothers to change their mind?

In Texas, birth parents have until the time of 48 hours after the baby is born to change their mind. Once the Relinquishment is signed, the decision is irrevocable. The psychology of the Birth mother is an intricate one. Many adoptions fall through by no fault of the Agency or Adoptive Parents. Sometimes the Birth Mother changes her mind or goes with another Agency or just "disappears" without notifying the Agency. It is our intent to maintain a strong relationship with the Birth mothers and provide them with support, counseling and guidance. Our placement staff is available 24 hours a day to speak with them if needed. As you know, no one can pressure a Birth Mother into the decision to relinquish. We provide you with the best information we have and provide frequent updates. We will be there for you every step of the way, and hopefully everything will fall into place. Yet there is always a risk involved. Some adoptive parents seek adoption insurance as a means to re-coup their potential losses. You may choose to look into this.

What testing is done during the birthmother's pregnancy?

Adoption Services Worldwide routinely requests testing for HIV, venereal disease, and/or drug screening. In some cases, however, the birthmother may come to the Agency after birth or too late in the pregnancy for testing to be done. We advise you, the prospective adoptive parents, of all scenarios. We provide you, the prospective adoptive parents, with all information available to us to assist you to make an informed decision.

What about the Birth Father rights to a child?

The Texas Family Code states that an affidavit of relinquishment may be signed no sooner than 48 hours after birth of the child by the Birth Mother and a man meeting the legal definition of a "presumed father." The Birth father may sign his waiver before 48 hours if they are not married, if they are married he can sign when the birth mother signs at the 48 hours. Diligent efforts are made to locate any man named as a "potential father" of a child. Unknown fathers are cited through publication in the newspaper and must respond within 21 days. In Texas once a Birth father signs his relinquishment, it too is irrevocable.

What kinds of children are available for adoption through Adoption Services Worldwide?

At Adoption Services Worldwide, we primarily place newborns of all ethnic groups.

Can a Single Person Adopt?

Yes, a single person can adopt pending the same Home Study protocol and evaluation as adoptive couples.

How do I adopt? What is the process? How do I start?

See Adoptive Parents Getting Started in the Adoptive Parents section.

How long will the process take? How soon can we have a baby?

We do not have long "Parent-in-Waiting" lists, therefore the process usually takes anywhere from 6 months to 1 year. The process may take longer depending upon how soon the adoptive families complete their application, send in their required documentation including the Dear Birth mother letter, portfolio and home study.

What services are covered by the Agency fee? Are legal fees included?

See Adoptive Parents Getting Started in the Adoptive Parents section.

How much are the Birth mother expenses?

Birth mother expenses can vary depending on when the Birth mother presents herself to the agency and what her needs are. In Texas agencies can assist the birth mother with her living expenses to include; medical, housing, utilities, transportation and food through 6 weeks postpartum. Adoption Services Worldwide provides the "Parents-in-Waiting" a detailed Estimated Expense Invoice so they are aware of the birth mother's needs and estimated expenses. the Agency will also provide monthly updated reports if any changes occur.

What does it mean when we sign the Corporal Punishment form?

Texas standards state that no form of physical punishment is allowed when interacting with the child. This includes spanking, hitting, slapping, shaking, sit-ups, push-ups, holding or sitting in an unnatural position, unproductive work or the use of mechanical and personal restraints. No verbal abuse will be allowed (i.e.) yelling at children, calling them humiliating or embarrassing names, making negative remarks about their birth family, making threats of loss of placement.

International Adoption

Domestic Adoption

Birth Mothers