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 happens after an order of adoption is entered?
Once the court decides that adoption state statutes have been met and abided by, the court will enter an order of adoption. The statement of facts as to why the court came to its decision and why the adoption is in the best interest of the child must be in writing. Once the adoption order is entered, it is conclusive and binding.
Post an order of adoption, the adoptive parents have the opportunity to change the name of the child. If the child is 12 or older, the court will ask them about what their name change wishes.
Finally, all parental rights, responsibilities, privileges of the biological parents are severed.
Up to 1 year after the order has been entered an adoption can be appealed. It is uncommon and will only be overturned if there has been unethical behavior by the court or if the jurisdiction of the child in regards to the filing was incorrect.
Resources
Arizona State Statute - A.R.S. § 8-116
Arizona State Statute - A.R.S. § 8-116.01
Arizona State Statute - A.R.S. § 8-117