Following the acceptance of a completed certification application, OAS will conduct a certification investigation which will include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Personal interviews with the adoptive family, such interviews will:

a. Occur on at least two separate occasions, at least one at which will be at the adoptive family’s residence.
b. Comprise no less than four hours of face-to-face contact, at least one hour of which will take place at the adoptive family’s residence.
c. Include at least one separate interview with each member of the adoptive family’s household who is age five or older.
d. Include at least one joint interview with both adoptive parents if the adoptive family is a couple.


2. Written statements from and personal contact (either a face-to face meeting or a telephone call) with at least three of the applicant’s personal references.

3. An inquiry as to whether the applicant wishes to be listed in the Central Adoption Registry.

4. Verification of the applicant’s financial condition.

5. A request to the Department for a check of the CPSCR to determine if the applicant has a past record of complaints of child abuse or neglect.

6. An evaluation of the success of the placement of other children adopted by the applicant.

7. A review of any supporting documentation OAS deems necessary to determine an applicant’s fitness to adopt, which may include the following:

a. A physician’s statement regarding the physical health of the applicant’s other children.
b. A statement from a psychiatrist or psychologist regarding the mental health of the applicant or the applicant’s other household members.
c. Birth certificates.
d. Marriage certificate.
e. Dissolution or divorce papers and orders, including child support documentation.
f. Military discharge papers.
g. Financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and w-2 statements.
h. Bankruptcy papers.
i. Insurance policy information.
j. Documentation showing Arizona residency.