Eligibility Requirements for Adopting through Special Delivery
1. The adoptive couple must be a legally married husband and wife who have a stable marriage. The adoptive couple must be married for a minimum of three years. In the event of essential need and the best interest of the child the admissions committee can waive the three year requirement. Our birth parents are usually single mothers who have decided to place for adoption so their baby can have both a mother and a father who love each other and their future child. Couples who are hurting and/or lonely may wish to seek counseling before seeking to adopt a child of any age or condition. Marital maturity and stability is imperative to all concerned in the adoption process. It is important for the birth parent(s) to have the security of knowing that the adoptive couple’s marriage has been proven with time. The child will also benefit from a stable marriage relationship. This requirement WILL NOT be waived.
2. The adoptive couple needs to be professing Christians and members of the same church affiliation within the limits of traditional Christianity. Special Delivery is a Christian agency and our main criterion is to place children into Christian families. Birth parent(s) seek the adoption services of Special Delivery Adoption Agency because they desire their child to be raised by Christians who have committed their lives fully to Jesus Christ. This requirement WILL NOT be waived.
3. The age of the adoptive parents should be such that it could be reasonably expected for them to raise a child to maturity. Couples must have one partner between the age of 25 and 48 years of age. The remaining partner’s age may be within five years outside of these parameters. Waivers may be given under special conditions and will be considered on an individual basis.
4. The adoptive couple must commit to and acknowledge the importance of one partner being a ‘stay at home’ parent to the extent reasonably possible, particularly during the initial months until the finalization of consummation. This ‘stay at home’ parent may work up to 20 hours per week outside the home if necessary. Notwithstanding the goal that each family make such a commitment, the Admissions committee can waive the requirement in the event of essential need and in the best interests of the child.
5. The adoptive couple must submit a proof of employment and have a stable employment record. Evaluations will be made over a 3-5 year employment history.
6. The adoptive couple must be in good physical, mental, and emotional health. If health problems exist, they must be under control, evidenced by a Doctor’s note. Because of the health risks of second hand smoke, Special Delivery does not consider placing a baby into the home of a smoker to be in the best interest of the child.
7. The adoptive couple must be committed to affirming and acknowledging the brave decisions that the birthmothers have made who choose adoption over abortion. Prospective adoptive parents must understand and realize that birthmothers who consider adoption as the best loving decision for their child are worthy of honor and respect.
8. The adoptive couple needs to be financially secure. How much money a couple earns is not nearly as important as how well they manage what they have. Many times the birthmothers’ decision for adoption is influenced by their lack of financial ability to raise their child.
9. The adoptive couple must complete the “adoptive couple questionnaire” and the “adoption application.” These are used as screening tools to ensure that the couple meets our criteria. The admissions committee makes the final decision on whether or not a couple is a “good fit” for our agency.
10. The adoptive couple must attend an adoptive couple orientation and adoption education classes.
11. They must successfully complete an adoptive home study in accordance with Texas DPRS standards. Home visits will be scheduled during normal business hours. All family members are required to be present.
12. Each couple must consent to a search and for the agency to review the results of a Criminal History and Central Registry Background Check.
13. The adoptive couple must be able to allow the child to receive generally accepted medical care and treatment (including life saving and invasive procedures) as recommended by competent licensed medical care providers.
14. The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any applicant based upon what the Board determines is in the best interest of the mission of this agency.
