Have Haven is a licensed Texas Child Placing Agency committed to supporting children and families before, during, and after adoption. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, family-centered services that promote safe, stable, and permanent homes for children. 

Our services include, but are not limited to: 

1. Foster-to-adopt preparation and orientation 
2. Foster home verification and licensing 
3. Individualized case management and ongoing support 
4. Monthly home visits and family support 
5. Adoption readiness planning 
6. Coordination with DFPS, Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs), legal representatives, and other professionals 
7. Crisis intervention and resource coordination 
8. Referrals to community resources and trauma-informed services 
9. Training and education for caregivers 
10. Permanency planning and adoption support 

 Counseling and Post-Adoption Services 

Have Haven recognizes that adoption is a lifelong journey. In accordance with Texas Minimum Standards, post-placement and post-adoption counseling services are offered either directly or through referrals to qualified community providers. 

Post-adoption support may include: 

1. Referrals for individual, family, or trauma-informed counseling 
2. Caregiver education and support 
3. Resource coordination 
4. Referrals for behavioral health, educational, and community services 
5. Ongoing consultation regarding adoption-related concerns 

These services are intended to help families successfully navigate the unique challenges and joys of adoption. 

2. Fee Policies and Payment Procedures

For most children adopted through the Texas foster care system, there are generally no agency fees associated with the adoption process. However, certain circumstances may involve costs related to services outside of Have Haven’s control, such as: 

• Independent legal representation 

• Court filing fees (when applicable) 

• Certified copies of legal documents 

• Other expenses not covered through the adoption process 

3. Agency Requirements and Procedures

Prospective adoptive families are expected to comply with all applicable state laws, licensing standards, and Have Haven policies throughout the foster-to-adopt process. 

Agency requirements generally include: 

1. Completion of the foster home verification/licensing process 
2. Completion of all required pre-service training 
3. Criminal history and background checks for all required household members 
4. Home study and home safety assessment 
5. Participation in interviews and required documentation 
6. Demonstration of the ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home 
7. Compliance with agency policies, DFPS requirements, and Texas Minimum Standards 
8. Participation in ongoing training and case management services while licensed 

Families are expected to communicate openly with agency staff and work collaboratively throughout the placement and adoption process. 

4. Legal Requirements for Adoption

Adoption is finalized through the Texas court system following completion of all legal requirements and approval by the appropriate parties. 

Prospective adoptive families have the right to obtain independent legal counsel to represent them during the legal consummation of their adoption. 

If you choose to have independent legal counsel, Have Haven strongly recommends selecting an attorney who is experienced in Texas adoption law. If the attorney selected by the family does not have experience handling adoptions, Have Haven may require that an additional attorney with adoption expertise assist with completing the legal adoption requirements while allowing oversight by the family’s chosen attorney. 

Agency staff cannot provide legal advice but will work collaboratively with attorneys, DFPS, and other professionals to support the permanency process. 

5. Adoption Registries

Adoption registries serve various purposes, including assisting eligible individuals in obtaining information about adoption records, facilitating voluntary connections between biological relatives and adoptees when legally permitted, and providing information regarding state adoption resources. 

Following an adoption, adult adoptees, birth parents, and adult biological siblings may choose to participate in the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Central Adoption Registry. This voluntary registry allows eligible individuals to indicate their willingness to exchange identifying information or establish contact if all parties have mutually registered. Participation is entirely voluntary, and registration does not guarantee contact. 

Families seeking additional information may also contact the Texas Department of State Health Services for eligibility requirements and application procedures. 

Our Commitment 

At Have Haven, we believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family. Our team is committed to providing compassionate guidance, education, and support throughout your foster-to-adopt journey. We value open communication, collaboration, and a family-centered approach as we work together to achieve permanency for children in care. 

If you have any questions regarding our services, policies, or the adoption process, we encourage you to speak with a member of the Have Haven team. We look forward to partnering with you on this meaningful journey!