Why does it cost money to obtain post adoption services?
Buckner incurs many expenses in providing post adoption services, such as: storage fees for maintaining files of records dating back to the early 1900’s, rental of office space, staff salaries, utilities, insurance, office supplies, postage, printing, etc. Buckner is a not-for-profit agency, funded by fees for services and donations. While fees for post adoption services do not totally cover the cost of providing services, they do help to defray the cost. The post adoption department relies on donations to help make up the difference.
Will my adoptive parents be notified of my contact with Buckner?
If you are 18 years of age or older, you are considered an adult and your contact with Buckner is confidential. Your adoptive parents will not be notified.
Why can’t Buckner give me the names of my birth parents? (or birth child?)
Texas is considered a "closed records state," which means that once an adoption occurs, all records become confidential. Child-placing agencies licensed by the state are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of all the parties in an adoption, unless the parties sign Waivers of Confidentiality. (see question 4)
If a birth parent and the adoptee both want to meet, why must they have counseling first?
The state of Texas requires an hour of post adoption counseling prior to the exchange of identifying information. Before signing the Waiver of Confidentiality, the state wants to insure that it is an informed decision. Thus, post adoption counseling involves providing information on the various aspects of contact and reunion. The counselor will share what experience has shown about the stages of reunion and the factors that might influence the success of a particular reunion. The counselor can also provide information and referrals for sources of support for those seeking contact.
Why does it take so long to get services?
Because Buckner has been facilitating adoptions for so many years, the number of people requesting services increases every year. While we do give priority to cases involving medical emergencies (which require verification), it is our policy to provide services in the order in which the request is received. Depending on the volume of requests, the time it takes to respond to requests could be anywhere from one to three months.
