reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter P - FOSTER-ADOPTIVE HOMES AND LEGAL RISK PLACEMENTS › Division 1 - VERIFICATION OF FOSTER-ADOPTIVE HOMES › Section 749.3201 - May I verify the same applicant as a foster family home and an adoptive placement at the same time?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Yes. You may approve applicants as a foster-adoptive
						home.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter P - FOSTER-ADOPTIVE HOMES AND LEGAL RISK PLACEMENTS › Division 1 - VERIFICATION OF FOSTER-ADOPTIVE HOMES › Section 749.3203 - What rules must I follow to verify a foster-adoptive home?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must follow all rules for verifying a
					 foster family home and for approving an adoptive home.
(b) You may combine the foster home screening
					 and pre-adoptive home screening into one screening report as long as
					 requirements for each screening are covered.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter P - FOSTER-ADOPTIVE HOMES AND LEGAL RISK PLACEMENTS › Division 2 - LEGAL RISK PLACEMENTS › Section 749.3221 - What is a "legal risk placement"?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) A
					 "legal risk placement" exists when you:
(1)
					 Have a child that is not available for adoption because his parent(s)' rights
					 have not been terminated;
(2) Have
					 placed a child into a home that has been jointly verified as a foster home and
					 approved as an adoptive home; and
(3) Intend for the placement to change from
					 foster care to adoption once the child is eligible for adoption.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 1 - CONSENT › Section 749.3301 - What legal authority must I have to place a child in adoptive care?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
To place a child in adoptive care, you must have an
						agreement signed by you and the person legally authorized to consent to the
						child's placement.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 2 - ADOPTION SERVICE PLAN › Section 749.3321 - When must I initiate and complete the adoption service plan?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must initiate the plan when you
					 accept a child or enter into a written agreement with the birth parent for
					 adoption placement services.
(b)
					 You must complete the service plan within 40 days of initiation.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 2 - ADOPTION SERVICE PLAN › Section 749.3323 - What must an adoption service plan include?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) The service plan must address:
(1) The needs of the birth parents (unless
					 parental rights have been relinquished or involuntarily terminated), the fetus
					 or child, and the adoptive family; and
(2) Any other issue that impacts the
					 adoption.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 2 - ADOPTION SERVICE PLAN › Section 749.3325 - When placing a sibling group, must I develop a plan for each child?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
If you place siblings in the same adoptive home, you do
						not have to develop a plan for each child. If you place siblings in separate
						adoptive homes, you have to develop separate plans for each
						home.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 2 - ADOPTION SERVICE PLAN › Section 749.3327 - If a child had a foster care service plan prior to preparation for adoption, must I complete a new adoption service plan?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
No. The adoption service plan may be a continuation of
						the foster care service plan.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 3 - PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION › Section 749.3341 - How often must I have contact with a child being considered for adoptive placement?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must have
					 contact at least quarterly with the child being considered for adoption. The
					 contact must be meaningful and must include:
(1) Continued preparation for adoption;
					 and
(2) Updated information
					 concerning the adoption.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 3 - PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION › Section 749.3343 - What does preparing a child for adoption include?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Preparation must include helping a child
					 five years old or older to:
(1) Know and
					 understand his history;
(2)
					 Understand the difference between biological, foster, and adoptive
					 parents;
(3) Express hopes and
					 fears about adoption, including fears of disruption;
(4) Separate from people he is close to, and
					 grieve their loss;
(5) Form new
					 attachments; and
(6) As
					 appropriate, make a plan for contact with siblings, other family members,
					 and/or other significant persons.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 3 - PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION › Section 749.3345 - Who must prepare a child for adoption?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) A person meeting the qualifications of
					 child placement staff or child placement management staff must prepare a child
					 for adoption.
(b) Before you can
					 place the child in the adoptive home, child placement management staff must
					 review and approve the preparation and related documentation.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 3 - PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION › Section 749.3349 - What professional assessments must I obtain on a child being placed for adoption?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) The extent of
					 the professional assessment required depends on the age, history, and special
					 needs of the child being considered.
(b) The professional assessment must always
					 include a medical examination by a licensed physician.
(c) If the child's age is zero to 18 months
					 old, the professional assessment must also include an evaluation by a
					 professional credentialed in the area appropriate to the child's needs if:
(1) There is history of abuse, neglect, or
					 failure to thrive; or
(2) The child
					 is physically or mentally disabled or developmentally delayed.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 3 - PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION › Section 749.3351 - What information from the professional assessments must I share with the adoptive family?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
You must share the following with the adoptive
						family:
(1) All information from the
					 licensed physician and from the licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or other
					 licensed or credentialed professional about the potential impact on the child
					 of existing conditions; and
(2) All
					 information about any further testing or assessments that these professionals
					 recommend. Any such tests must be scheduled by the date of placement.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 3 - PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION › Section 749.3353 - What other referrals must I make regarding a child who has or may have a disability?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
You must make a referral to the Social Security
						Administration to determine the child's eligibility for Social Security Income
						(SSI).
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 4 - PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS › Section 749.3371 - What are the requirements for a child to visit the adoptive family prior to placement?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Except in the
					 case of children one month old and younger, a child must have at least one
					 pre-placement visit with the adoptive family prior to placement. You must base
					 the length, location, and number of visits on the age, development, and needs
					 of the child.
(b) You must schedule
					 these visits over a period of time that ensures that both the child and the
					 adoptive family have adequate time to prepare for the placement. The period of
					 time should be based on the age and developmental needs of the child.
(c) The planning for the pre-placement visits
					 must include the child, if applicable, the foster parents, and the adoptive
					 parents.
(d) You must document the
					 plan for pre-placement visits. Your child placement management staff must
					 approve the plan before visits are initiated.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 4 - PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS › Section 749.3373 - What must my agreement with the adoptive parents include?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Before placing the child into the home,
					 you must have a written agreement with the adoptive parents signed by you and
					 the adoptive parents.
(b) You must
					 give a signed copy of this agreement to the adoptive parents and place a copy
					 in the case record.
(c) The
					 agreement must specify the following:
(1) The
					 parties' agreement to complete the adoption at a specified time;
(2) The adoptive parents agreement for you to
					 supervise them prior to the completion of the adoption;
(3) That the adoptive parents must notify you
					 before moving their residence prior to the completion of the
					 adoption;
(4) That you and the
					 adoptive parents each have the discretion to end the placement prior to the
					 adoption; and
(5) The fee and
					 schedule of payment.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 4 - PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS › Section 749.3375 - May I place a child in the home of a prospective adoptive parent before I complete the adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
This may be done only if the prospective adoptive parent
						is a:
(1) Member of the child's family
					 related by the second degree of consanguinity or affinity; or
(2) Foster family with whom the child has
					 been living immediately prior to the request for an adoptive home
					 screening.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 5 - REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 749.3391 - What information must I compile for a child I am considering for adoptive placement?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) As part of the
					 Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History report, you must compile the
					 following information for a child you are considering for adoption placement:
Attached Graphic
(b) In addition, you must document
					 the following in the child's record:
Attached Graphic
(c) This section does not apply to
					 an adoption by the child's:
(1)
					 Grandparent;
(2) Aunt or uncle by
					 birth, marriage, or prior adoption; or
(3) Stepparent.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 5 - REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 749.3393 - What written authorization must I give adoptive parents at the time of placement?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must
					 provide:
(1) Written authorization to care
					 for the child;
(2) Written
					 information about the legal status, including if the parental rights to the
					 child have not been terminated; and
(3) Written consent for the medical care of
					 the child at the time of the child's placement in the home, if
					 available.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 5 - REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 749.3395 - What information must I provide the adoptive parents prior to or at the time of adoptive placement?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) The agency must
					 discuss information about the child and his birth parents with the prospective
					 adoptive parents.
(b) According to
					 the Texas Family Code §
											162.0062,
					 you must inform the prospective adoptive parents of their right to examine the
					 records and other information relating to the history of the child, including
					 the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History (HSEGH) report and the
					 child's health history within the HSEGH, if you are required to do a HSEGH for
					 the adoption.
(c) Any records or
					 other information examined by the prospective adoptive parents or any written
					 information provided to the prospective adoptive parents must be edited to
					 protect any confidential information.
(d) You must also provide the prospective
					 adoptive parents with:
(1) Research, which
					 may be suggested reading materials and/or websites, on how any known health
					 issue that the child has and/or any trauma the child has experienced (i.e.
					 abuse or neglect) may impact child development and the family's ability to
					 maintain permanency;
(2)
					 Information about the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
					 adoption assistance programs, if the family may be eligible for such
					 assistance;
(3) Information about
					 community services and other resources available to support a parent who adopts
					 a child, including community services and other resources for a child who has
					 suicidal thoughts or attempts suicide; and
(4) The options available to the adoptive
					 parent if the parent is unable to care for the adopted child, including working
					 with the parent's post adopt provider about the possibility of post adoption
					 substitute care services or working with the child placing agency that placed
					 the child for adoption regarding any additional services. You should also
					 inform the adoptive parents that the Texas Family Code, §
												162.026
					 makes it illegal to informally transfer the custody of an adopted child to a
					 person, unless the person is a relative or stepparent of the child or an adult
					 who has a significant long-standing relationship with the child, or the
					 transfer of custody is a formal transfer of custody of the child through a
					 court.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 6 - POST-PLACEMENT SUPERVISION › Section 749.3421 - What are my responsibilities for the child during the post-placement period?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
During the post-placement period, you must:
(1) Ensure the adoptive placement continues
					 to meet the child's needs;
(2)
					 Maintain responsibility for the child until the court signs the adoption
					 decree; and
(3) Make every effort
					 to see that the adoption is consummated as stipulated within the written
					 agreement, or renegotiate another time frame for when the adoption will be
					 consummated.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 6 - POST-PLACEMENT SUPERVISION › Section 749.3423 - What responsibility do I have to offer counseling services to the adoptive family?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) To reduce the
					 risk of adoptive placement breakdown, you must offer counseling services to the
					 adoptive family.
(b) Counseling
					 services may be provided by your agency or by an outside counseling
					 resource.
(c) The counseling
					 services must provide mental health resources for the child, if applicable, the
					 adoptive parents, and other children in the care of your agency that are placed
					 in the adoptive home, including:
(1)
					 Opportunities to debrief to process thoughts and feelings related to a suicide
					 attempt or suicide death;
(2)
					 Referrals to community services and other resources for a child who has
					 suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide; and
(3) Referrals to grief counseling and suicide
					 survivor support groups.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 6 - POST-PLACEMENT SUPERVISION › Section 749.3425 - What are the requirements for post-placement contacts with the adoptive family and child?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must have
					 face-to-face contacts with the child and adoptive parents, as follows:
Attached
						Graphic
(b)
					 Contacts not in the home must allow you enough privacy to counsel with the
					 adoptive family and evaluate the placement.
(c) After the first six months of placement,
					 you must have at least quarterly face-to-face contacts in the adoptive home
					 with the entire adoptive family until the adoption decree is entered.
(d) Contacts must be documented by child
					 placement staff.
(e) You may
					 contract with another licensed child-placing agency to make these contacts as
					 long as:
(1) The person making the contacts
					 meets the minimum qualifications for a child placement staff in § 749.673
					 of Title 40 (relating to What are the qualifications that an employee must have
					 to perform child placement activities?);
(2) The agency submits the required
					 documentation to you;
(3) Your
					 child-placement management staff reviews and approves the documentation;
					 and
(4) You maintain the
					 documentation in the child's record.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 6 - POST-PLACEMENT SUPERVISION › Section 749.3427 - What must I do if the adoption is not completed within the time frame stipulated in the written agreement?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) The
					 following individuals must assess why the adoption was not completed within the
					 time frame stipulated in the written agreement:
(1) Staff who supervise the adoption
					 placement;
(2) Any other
					 professional staff involved with the family; and
(3) The adoptive family.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 6 - POST-PLACEMENT SUPERVISION › Section 749.3431 - What must I do if I determine that the placement cannot be completed and/or is not in the best interest of the child and/or the adoptive family?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must remove the child from the
					 adoptive family if the placement and adoption is not in the best interest of
					 the child and/or the adoptive family.
(b) The decision to remove the child must be
					 reviewed and approved by child placement management staff prior to the
					 removal.
(c) If the child comes
					 back into your care, you must document the following in the child's record:
(1) The circumstances necessitating the
					 removal from the adoptive family; and
(2) An update of the child's service
					 plan.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 7 - POST-ADOPTION SERVICES › Section 749.3461 - Must I offer counseling services after the adoption is consummated?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must offer counseling services to the
					 adoptive child and adoptive parents after the adoption is
					 consummated.
(b) You may offer
					 these services through your agency or an outside counseling resource.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 7 - POST-ADOPTION SERVICES › Section 749.3463 - If supplemental information concerning birth parents subsequently comes to my attention, what are my responsibilities?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must make reasonable efforts to
					 inform the adoptive parents and/or an adult adoptee, in writing, about
					 supplemental medical, psychological, or psychiatric information, including
					 developing genetic conditions, terminal illnesses, or death of a birth parent,
					 that subsequently comes to your attention. You must document the information
					 provided, the date and method of providing the information, and the names of
					 the persons receiving the information.
(b) When an adoptive placement is made, you
					 must tell older adopted children and adoptive parents that you will communicate
					 the information in subsection (a) of this section to them provided that they
					 keep you informed of their whereabouts. You must document when you gave this
					 information to the child and to adoptive parents.
(c) When you receive information on the
					 identified topic, you must, at a minimum:
(1)
					 Write the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee at the last known
					 address;
(2) If the letter is
					 returned to you as undeliverable, check the telephone directory or Internet
					 search for the city where the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee were last
					 known to be living;
(3) If this
					 action does not locate the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee, check the
					 record for contact information on family members or others who may have
					 knowledge of the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee's whereabouts and
					 attempt to contact these persons and obtain forwarding information;
					 and
(4) Document your attempts to
					 locate the adoptive parents and/or adult adoptee.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter Q - ADOPTION SERVICES: CHILDREN › Division 7 - POST-ADOPTION SERVICES › Section 749.3465 - What must I do when an adoptee requests his adoption record?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) According to Texas Family Code §
											162.006,
					 you must provide to the adult adoptee a copy of the adoption report that has
					 been edited to protect any confidential information.
(b) If the adoptee is younger than 18 years
					 of age, the request for the information must come from or must include the
					 written consent of the adoptee's adoptive parents or managing
					 conservator.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter R - ADOPTION SERVICES: BIRTH PARENTS › Division 1 - BIRTH PARENT PREPARATION › Section 749.3501 - What information must I provide to birth parents who contact me for services?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Upon
					 establishing a formal relationship with birth parents, you must provide the
					 following information to them in writing:
(1)
					 Alternatives and options to adoption that your policies do not
					 oppose;
(2) The services you
					 provide, including counseling and post-adoption services;
(3) Adoption registries;
(4) Legal rights and responsibilities of both
					 birth parents in regard to:
(A)
					 Relinquishment of parental rights;
(B) Waivers of Interest;
(C) Affidavit of status;
(D) Termination of parental rights;
(E) Designating the father of a child as
					 "unknown" based on legal requirements; and
(F) Paternity registry requirements;
					 and
(5) Any assistance
					 available through the agency to meet housing, medical, and prenatal care and
					 other needs;
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter R - ADOPTION SERVICES: BIRTH PARENTS › Division 1 - BIRTH PARENT PREPARATION › Section 749.3503 - What are the requirements for contacting birth parents that become my clients?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Child
					 placement staff must have at least:
(1) Two
					 face-to-face contacts with birth parents prior to the relinquishment of
					 parental rights over a period of two or more days. At least one interview must
					 be held after the birth of the child. If face-to-face contact with the birth
					 father is not feasible, you must document justification for contacts that are
					 not face-to-face; and
(2) Except in
					 cases of relinquishment or involuntary termination of parental rights,
					 quarterly contact with birth parents prior to placement of the child.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter R - ADOPTION SERVICES: BIRTH PARENTS › Division 2 - TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS › Section 749.3521 - What requirements must I follow regarding termination of parental rights?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
You must comply with all state and federal laws regarding
						termination of parental rights, including Chapter 161 of the Texas Family Code
						(relating to Termination of the Parent-child Relationship).
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter R - ADOPTION SERVICES: BIRTH PARENTS › Division 2 - TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS › Section 749.3523 - What specific information must I obtain from birth parents that voluntarily relinquish their parental rights?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
A parent who signs an affidavit of voluntary
						relinquishment of parental rights regarding a biological child must also
						prepare a medical history report form that we issue as required by §
											161.1031
						of the Texas Family Code. If the child is:
(1) In the managing conservatorship of Child
					 Protective Services, DFPS must maintain the form and make it available to
					 persons with whom the child is placed; and
(2) Placed for private adoption through a
					 licensed child-placing agency, that agency must maintain the form.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter R - ADOPTION SERVICES: BIRTH PARENTS › Division 3 - POST ADOPTION SERVICES › Section 749.3571 - Must I offer counseling services to birth parents after the adoption of their child is consummated?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Yes. You must
					 offer counseling services to birth parents after the consummation of the
					 adoption.
(b) You must ensure that
					 birth parents are notified in writing that counseling services are available
					 through the agency on an ongoing basis.
(c) You may provide counseling services
					 directly or through referrals to counseling resources outside your
					 agency.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter R - ADOPTION SERVICES: BIRTH PARENTS › Division 3 - POST ADOPTION SERVICES › Section 749.3573 - What are the requirements to provide information about the child to birth parents after the adoption is consummated?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
					 You must make reasonable efforts to inform birth parents, in writing, about
					 developing genetic conditions, terminal illness, or death of the biological
					 child that comes to your attention.
(b) At the time the adoption placement is
					 made, you must tell birth parents that you will communicate the information in
					 subsection (a) of this section to them provided that they keep you informed of
					 their whereabouts.
(c) When you
					 receive information on the identified topics, you must document your attempts
					 to locate the birth parents, the information provided, the date and method of
					 providing the information, and the names of the persons receiving the
					 information.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 1 - ADOPTIVE APPLICANT PREPARATION › Section 749.3601 - What information must I provide to persons inquiring about agency adoption services?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Prior to establishing any formal relationship with
						prospective adoptive applicants, you must provide written information
						regarding:
(1) The services you
					 provide, including counseling and post-adoptive services;
(2) Fee policies and payment
					 procedures;
(3) Agency requirements
					 and procedures;
(4) Legal
					 requirements for adoption, including their right to have independent legal
					 counsel for legal consummation. You may require that the legal counsel selected
					 by the applicants be experienced in adoptions. If the attorney selected by the
					 applicants is not experienced in adoptions, you may require the adoptive
					 applicants to have an additional, experienced attorney handle the adoption
					 requirements while allowing oversight by the applicants' choice of attorney;
					 and
(5) Adoption
					 registries.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3621 - What is an adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
An adoptive home screening contains documentation of the
						following:
(1) Interviews with
					 adoption applicants, their families, and collateral contacts as
					 necessary;
(2) Information obtained
					 through review of documents, reports, and inspections;
(3) Assessment of the information obtained to
					 determine whether applicants meet the requirements for approval as adoptive
					 families;
(4) Evaluation of the
					 information obtained in order to make recommendations about the family's
					 capacity for adoption, including the age, number, sex, and special needs of the
					 children the family has the capacity to parent;
(5) Assessment of basic care and safety
					 issues, including safety of the environment of the adoptive home; and
(6) Review and approval by child placement
					 management staff, including the ages and gender(s) of the children for whom the
					 home is approved, the special needs of the children for whom the home is
					 approved, and the approved capacity of the home.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3623 - What information must I obtain for the adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
You must obtain, document, and assess the following
						information about a prospective adoptive home:
Attached
						Graphic
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3624 - May I consider a prospective adoptive parent's membership in a military organization as a factor in approving an adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Section
						162.0025
						of the Texas Family Code prohibits any person conducting an adoptive home study
						from considering membership in the armed forces of the United States, Texas
						National Guard, National Guard in another state, or in a reserve component of
						the armed forces of the United States as a negative factor in determining
						whether the adoptive parent would be a suitable parent or whether an adoption
						is in the best interests of the child.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3625 - Whom must I interview when conducting an adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Interviews for an adoptive home screening must
						include:
(1) At least one individual
					 interview with each prospective adoptive parent;
(2) At least one individual interview with
					 each child three years or older living in the home either full or part
					 time;
(3) At least one individual
					 interview with any other person living full or part time with the
					 family;
(4) At least one joint
					 interview with the adoptive applicants;
(5) At least one family group interview with
					 family members living in the home; and
(6) At least one interview, by telephone, in
					 person or by letter, with any minor child 12 years old or older or adult child
					 of the adoptive applicants not living in the home. If you cannot reach an adult
					 child to interview, you must document your reasonable efforts to locate the
					 child.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3627 - What must I document regarding interviews for an adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
You must document all interviews and attempts to complete
						interviews. The documentation must be a part of the adoptive home record and
						include:
(1) The date and method used
					 to contact each required person;
(2) The date of each interview;
(3) Who was present at each interview and
					 their relationship to the adoptive applicants; and
(4) A summary of each interview.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3629 - What are the requirements for visiting the home during an adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Unless the
					 child is already placed in the home for foster care, you must visit the home
					 when all members of the household are present.
(b) You must document in the record the date,
					 persons present, their relationship to the prospective adoptive family, and
					 observations made during the visit.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3631 - What are the requirements if adoptive applicants previously adopted a child from another child-placing agency or were previously foster parents for another agency?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must request
					 information related to the parents' experience and performance as foster and/or
					 adoptive parents from the previous agency and any background information
					 regarding the foster home as described in § 749.2447(22) of Title 40
					 (relating to What information must I obtain for the foster home
					 screening?).
(b) If provided, you
					 must evaluate the information as part of your screening and placement decisions
					 regarding the home. You must use the information to evaluate the family's
					 ability to work with specific kinds of behaviors and backgrounds.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3633 - When must I update an adoptive home screening?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) You must update an adoptive home
					 screening for a family seeking adoptive placement:
(1) Every 12 months; and
(2) After a major life change in the adoptive
					 family.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3635 - What is a "major life change in the adoptive family"?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
A major life change in the adoptive family
						includes:
(1) Marriage, divorce,
					 separation, death, birth, adoption, or any other change in household
					 composition; or
(2) A serious
					 health problem that affects the ability of the adoptive parent to care for
					 children.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 2 - ADOPTIVE HOME SCREENING › Section 749.3637 - Must I complete an adoptive home screening update if the prospective adoptive parents plan to adopt another child?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Yes. If prospective adoptive parents plan to adopt
						another child, either in addition to or instead of the child for whom the
						screening was done, you must complete a written adoptive home screening
						update.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 3 - BASIC CARE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS › Section 749.3661 - What information must adoptive applicants submit on their home and grounds as a part of their application?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
					 Adoptive applicants must submit a sketch of the floor plan of the home showing
					 dimensions and purposes of all rooms in the home.
(b) Adoptive applicants must submit a sketch
					 or photo of the outside areas showing areas of the grounds to be used by the
					 child.
(c) If the home is providing
					 foster care, you may use the foster care screening information.
(d) You must review the sketches and/or
					 photos to determine:
(1) Whether there is
					 sufficient space to accommodate the members of the household and the adoptive
					 child(ren); and
(2) Any potential
					 safety or health issues.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 3 - BASIC CARE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS › Section 749.3663 - What are the basic safety requirements for the home and grounds?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) The home must be clean, safe, and free of
					 obvious fire and other hazards. The home must be equipped with smoke
					 detectors.
(b) Pets must be
					 vaccinated and treated as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.
(c) If the adoptive home has a swimming pool,
					 wading pool, hot tub, or other bodies of water on the premises, you must
					 discuss safety issues and plans to ensure the safety of the child with the
					 adoptive applicants.
(d) You must
					 discuss and assess basic care and safety issues depending on the age and
					 specific needs of the child or children being considered for placement in the
					 home. When you select a child for placement in the home, you must discuss
					 issues specific to the child including supervision, special health or behavior
					 risks, and general child care needs according to the experience and training
					 needs of the adoptive parents.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 4 - PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS › Section 749.3691 - What contacts must I maintain with adoptive applicants prior to the placement of a child?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) After you accept a
					 family as a potential adoptive placement, you must maintain at least quarterly
					 contact with them.
(b) You must
					 discuss any changes in the information that you obtain during the adoption
					 screening.
(c) In addition to the
					 quarterly contacts, you must provide education and training in regard to the
					 following as deemed appropriate by the child placement staff:
(1) Bonding with adoptive children;
(2) Parenting issues and concerns;
					 and
(3) Children with special
					 needs, if appropriate.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 5 - PRE-ADOPTION CONSUMMATION ACTIVITIES › Section 749.3721 - What are my agency's responsibilities during the pre-adoption supervisory period?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Your agency must:
(1) Ensure the child's needs are met in the
					 adoptive placement;
(2) Maintain
					 responsibility for the child until the court has entered the adoption decree;
					 and
(3) Offer counseling services
					 to the adoptive family. These services may be provided through referrals
					 outside the agency.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 5 - PRE-ADOPTION CONSUMMATION ACTIVITIES › Section 749.3725 - If the adoption has not been completed within the stipulated time frame in the written agreement, what actions must my agency take?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Your agency must make every effort to see
					 that the adoption is consummated as stipulated within the written
					 agreement.
(b) You must make an
					 assessment of why the adoption will not be completed according to the time
					 frame in the written agreement in § 749.3373(c)(1) of Title 40 (relating
					 to What must my agreement with the adoptive parents include?). The assessment
					 must include:
(1) Input from staff who have
					 supervised the adoption placement, professionals who have provided counseling
					 for the family, any other professional staff involved with the family, and the
					 adoptive family; and
(2) A plan for
					 finalization of the adoption and for supervision of the placement that is based
					 upon the assessment.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 5 - PRE-ADOPTION CONSUMMATION ACTIVITIES › Section 749.3727 - What actions must my agency take if there are changes to the adoptive family during the post-placement period?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Your agency must document in the adoptive home record any
						changes in the adoptive family that may affect the child and assess the effect
						of the changes on the child. This includes any major life change in the
						adoptive family.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES › Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION › Chapter 749 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES › Subchapter S - ADOPTION SERVICES: ADOPTIVE PARENTS › Division 5 - PRE-ADOPTION CONSUMMATION ACTIVITIES › Section 749.3729 - What must my agency do if the placement cannot be completed and/or is not in the best interests of the child and/or the adoptive family?

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Your agency must remove the child from the adoptive
						family if the placement and adoption is not in the best interests of the child
						and/or the adoptive family. The decision to remove the child must be reviewed
						and approved by child placement management staff prior to the removal. You must
						document the circumstances necessitating the removal and the child's needs in
						the child's record.