THINKING ABOUT ADOPTION?
Every child deserves a safe, loving family. Whether you're interested in fostering, adopting, or simply learning more, we're here to help guide you every step of the way.
Your Journey Starts Here
The Corazón y Casa Collaborative was created to make the foster care and adoption process easier to navigate. Rather than contacting agencies one by one, families can learn about fostering and adoption in one place, connect with multiple child placing agencies, and receive guidance throughout the process.
The Heart Gallery of South Texas is not a child placing agency (CPA) and does not license foster or adoptive families. Instead, we serve as the facilitator of the Corazón y Casa Collaborative, bringing together Region 11 child placing agencies and community partners to provide education, answer questions, and help prospective families connect with the agency that best fits their needs.
Whether you're just beginning to explore fostering or adoption or are ready to take the next step, we're here to help point you in the right direction.
Through Corazón y Casa, you can:
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Learn about becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
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Meet multiple licensed child placing agencies in one place.
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Ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.
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Connect with community resources that support foster and adoptive families.
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Receive guidance on the licensing process and your next steps.
Why Foster? Why Adopt?
Every child deserves a loving, permanent home. By adopting a child featured in the Heart Gallery, you’re giving a child in foster care the chance to grow, thrive, and experience the unconditional love of family. Many of these children—especially older youth, sibling groups, and those with special needs—are still waiting for a place to call home.
If you’ve ever considered opening your heart and home to a child in need, we encourage you to explore their stories. Adoption is a lifelong journey filled with challenges and incredible rewards, but you don’t have to do it alone—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The Process
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Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is a journey, and every family's path is unique. While each child placing agency may have slight differences in its process, the steps below provide a general overview of what you can expect. From attending your first information meeting to completing training, licensing, and eventually welcoming a child into your home, we're here to help you understand each step along the way.
Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. The Heart Gallery of South Texas facilitates the Corazón y Casa Collaborative to connect prospective families with licensed child placing agencies, answer questions, and provide resources throughout the process. Whether you're just exploring or ready to begin, we're here to help you take the next step.
Basic Requirements
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Be at least 21 years of age, financially stable, and responsible mature adult(s)
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Attend free trainings to learn about caring for children in foster care
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Show proof of marriage and/or divorce (if applicable)
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Criminal history and abuse/neglect background check on everyone 14+ in the household
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Submit an application and share information regarding background and lifestyle
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Agree to a home study which includes visits with all household members
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Provide relative and non-relative references
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Must be a US Citizen or lawful permanent resident
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Must have a high school diploma or GED
Meet our Child Placing Agencies
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Our Child Placing Agency partners proudly serve the 19 southernmost counties of Texas, helping families become licensed foster and adoptive parents. Each agency offers training, licensing, home studies, and ongoing support to guide families throughout their journey. We encourage you to explore the agencies below and find the one that's the best fit for your family.
Our Resource Partners
Our Community Resource Partners provide valuable services that help strengthen foster, adoptive, and kinship families. From counseling and parent education to advocacy and family support, these organizations work alongside our Child Placing Agencies to ensure families have access to the resources they need before, during, and after placement.
Already Licensed?
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If you are a licensed foster parent in Texas with a current home study and are interested in a child or youth, please have your caseworker send us a copy of your home study along with their contact information. We will then connect them with the child’s caseworker or TARE Coordinator.
Additionally, please ask your caseworker to include how you learned about the child(ren) or youth you are inquiring about.
Thank you for your commitment to providing a loving home—we appreciate your dedication!
