In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Do I need to be certified to adopt a relative?
If you are adopting a relative and you are the uncle, aunt, adult sibling, grandparent or great-grandparent of the child, you do not have to be certified. You will, however, need to pass a fingerprint-based criminal history records check in order to be approved by the court to adopt.
Response provided by the Arizona Department of Child Safety
Resources:
- Department of Child Safety - Adoption
- Arizona State Statute - A.R.S. § 8-108