In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependecy and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
What is required to adopt in Arizona?
In Arizona adoptive parent(s) must be certified by the court as acceptable to adopt children. The certification process includes:
- a written application
- adoption orientation and training
- a certification investigation and report to the court that considers the prospective adoptive parents' fitness to adopt children and includes:
- social history and references
- finances
- moral fitness
- physical and mental health
- any court action regarding child abuse
- the ability of you and every adult member of your household to successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history records check
- any other relevant information
Response provided by the Arizona Department of Child Safety
Resources:
- Department of Child Safety - Adoption
- Arizona State Statute - A.R.S. § 8-109
- Juvenile Court Rules