Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

L. Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights

ICWA imposes significantly different requirements for a valid voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, or “consent to termination of parental rights," as ICWA denotes a specific process when an “Indian child” is involved. 25 U.S.C. § 1913(a). The most significant difference is that a valid relinquishment to terminate parental rights must be in writing and be taken on the record before a judge. The Guidelines also state that notice of voluntary proceedings to the Indian Tribe is a recommended practice, while the statutory notice provision is limited to involuntary proceedings. 25 U.S.C. § 1912(a).[96]

In addition, ICWA requires the judge to attach a certificate that indicates that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained and that the parent or Indian custodian fully understood the explanation whether provided in English or by an interpreter. 25 U.S.C. § 1913(a). Consent to voluntary relinquishment of parental rights cannot be given until the eleventh day after birth of the child and must contain the child's name, birth date, the name of the child's Tribe, any Tribal affiliation and membership, name and address of the consenting parent or Indian custodian, and the name and address of the person or entity that arranged any adoptive or pre-adoptive placement.

Unlike a relinquishment made to DFPS under the Texas Family Code, a parent of an “Indian child” may withdraw consent for any reason at any time prior to entry of a final decree of termination or adoption. If consent is obtained by fraud or duress, a parent may withdraw consent and the court shall invalidate a decree of adoption up to two years after entry of the decree (or beyond the two years if otherwise permitted under state law). 25 U.S.C. § 1913(c)-(d).