Why does Buckner charge a fee? I thought CPS adoption was free.
Buckner is a non-profit, faith-based agency which depends in part on fees in order to deliver our services. We have a contract with the state to place some of their children, but we do not get any funds until there is a placement. Thus, the work prior to placement, such as the home study, must be funded by the prospective adopters. Once a placement is made and the state reimburses Buckner, we will refund the fee paid by the adopters.
Why would we want to use Buckner’s services when the state CPS staff will do it all for free?
CPS staff do not have to be concerned about being paid for their services: you and I and all taxpayers fund these services. Adopters who choose to work with Buckner do so because they want to work with a Christian agency and because they know Buckner has a 125 year history of service to children and families.
How long is the process?
The period of time to become approved as a potential adoptive parent(s) may vary between four to six months depending on the completion and submission of paperwork, training, and assessments. Placement depends on many variables, and it is very hard to estimate a time frame.
Do I have to foster a child to adopt a child in the state’s custody?
No, not at all. We have 2 separate programs to adopt CPS children, one that allows parents to be foster parents before they adopt, called Foster Adopt. The other program is waiting Texas children, or straight CPS adoption and does not require that a family foster a child before adopting them.
Do you have children on your campus available for adoption?
In general, the children on our campuses, most of whom are in the custody of CPS, are not available for adoption.
Do you have any age requirements?
There must be no more than 45 years difference between the age of the child and the applicant. In a two parent family, there must be at least one parent that has less than 45 years age difference than the child the couple desires to adopt. However, there is some flexibility, especially in the case of siblings and minority children.
Do you place children with single parents?
With CPS adoptions, it is the children's CPS social workers who choose the families, based on what they perceive the children’s needs to be. If a single person appears to be able to meet those needs, he/she is given equal consideration.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BUCKNER CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
5200 S. BUCKNER BLVD.
DALLAS, TX 75227
(214)319-3450
