Foster & Adoption Services
Helping Children Find Safety, Stability and Hope
Every child deserves a safe, nurturing home where they can grow, heal, and thrive. DePelchin partners with foster and adoptive parents in Houston and across Texas, providing them with the resources and support they need to change a child’s life.
Every child needs the safety, compassion, and comfort of a stable home.
DePelchin recruits, trains, and supports families across Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Lubbock, whether they wish to foster or adopt. DePelchin’s foster parents play an important role in providing temporary care where children can feel supported as they wait to be reunited with their birth families.
When children in foster care cannot be reunited with their birth families, they become available for adoption and need permanent, loving homes where they can heal. Through DePelchin’s Foster to Adopt program, our staff works with individuals who wish to adopt a child from foster care once the child is eligible.
As an eligible foster or adoptive parent with DePelchin, you’ll receive:
- Training, education and licensing
- A dedicated staff member to assist with child placements and provide ongoing support and guidance
- Access to DePelchin’s services and resources such as counseling and parenting education
Who Can Foster or Adopt a Child?
People from different backgrounds can become foster or adoptive parents. At DePelchin, we welcome individuals and families who are committed to providing a safe, supportive and loving environment for children. You can be single or married, working or retired, have parenting experience or just starting your parenting journey.
To be a licensed foster or adoptive parent in Texas, you must meet the minimum requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be in good physical health
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have financial stability to care for a child
How to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Through DePelchin
Once you’ve decided that fostering or adoption is right for you, you can begin the process of becoming a licensed home – this process typically takes between three and six months.
The steps toward becoming *licensed through DePelchin are:
Attend a virtual orientation.
Submit an application and other documentation.
Complete required training courses.
Participate in a home study.
Receive final approval to receive child placements.
*You must live within 80 miles of Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or Lubbock to be licensed through DePelchin Children’s Center.
Ready to Get Started
Opening your home can change a child’s life – and yours. Whether you’re interested in fostering or fostering to adopt, our staff is ready to provide you with guidance and support throughout your journey.
You can view our scheduled virtual orientations here.
If you have any questions about fostering or adoption, please contact our staff at gettingstarted@depelchin.org.