Whether you are are interested in being matched with a birthmother, adopting a foster child, adopting a step-child, or are the relative of a child you seek to adopt, we’re here to help assist you in your adoption journey, as we have with over 1000 families in Arizona.
We can provide you with a free consultation and explanation of the adoption process. We offer a variety of adoption services including: home studies, facilitating the release of the baby at the hospital to the adoptive parents, post placement visits, and finalizing the adoption at court.
Don’t hesitate to Call Us: 520-579-5578 with any questions you may have.
Learn about the adoption process with the following FAQ:
Adoptive Parent FAQ
Yes, even if both parties entered into a formal agreement regarding communication, the law states that the adoptive parents may terminate contact between the birth parent and the adoptive child at anytime if the adoptive parent believes that this contact is not in the child’s best interests.
Yes, the prospective adoptive parent(s) may have the baby with them prior to the birth parents signing consent to adoption. The mother may request they may be allowed to visit at the hospital and the baby may be discharged (depending on hospital policy) directly to an adoption agency, an attorney or sometimes, the prospective adoptive parents. They are not, however, adoptive parents at that time, and they acknowledge this is a temporary placement PENDING consent of the parents. Should the parents decide not to consent to the adoption, the baby is returned to them. Once the birth parents consent to the adoption, the child resides with the adopting family while the court procedures are initiated.
As long as the child is a minor, it is up to the adoptive parents to determine whether contact occurs with the birth parents. Once the child reached the age of 18, he/she may use the Confidential Intermediary Program to initiate contact with birth family.
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) guides the interstate adoption process. The ‘sending’ state and the ‘receiving’ state need to give approval before the child crosses state lines. The receiving state, where the adopting family lives, will assure there is prior approval of the adoptive family’s home study and will supervise the placement until the adoption is finalized.
The law does not require the birth parent(s) receive information about the adopting parent(s). The amount of information provided will vary depending on the wishes of the birth parents, the wishes of the adopting parents, and the policies of the agency or attorney.
Even in a closed adoption, it is Arizona law that the prospective adoptive parents receive detailed, written non-identifying information about the baby and both sides of the birth family, including their medical and social history.
In Arizona, the court where the prospective adoptive parent(s) reside certifies them as acceptable to adopt, based on the home study and recommendation of a state-licensed agency or court-appointed worker. The prospective parents are fingerprinted, a Child Protective Service clearance is obtained, and they submit financial reports, medical reports, and references by family and friends. A social worker interviews them and visits their home.
Close relatives may have an abbreviated home study process and the court may approve them at the final hearing rather than prior to placement, as is the case with non-relatives.
Arizona agencies may have additional requirements, such as preparation classes to learn about adoption issues and how they affect the child’s life. Agencies may have additional eligibility requirements, such as religion, age, or marital restrictions.
If after the hearing and consideration of all the evidence, the court is satisfied that the requirements have been met and the adoption is in the best interests of the child, the court shall order the adoption. The adoption is now final. The court also orders the child’s name be changed, when applicable. The family will later receive a notice that they may apply for the new birth certificate, which is revised to show them as the parents.
Any adult resident of this state, whether married, unmarried or legally separated is eligible to qualify to adopt children. A couple may adopt jointly if they are married.
All eligible applicants must have an investigation by a licensed agency and be approved by the court. The expectant parent(s) may choose not to know anything and ask an agency/attorney to select a family. Some expectant parent(s) want to select from non-identifying information or want to meet prospective adoptive parents.
After the child is placed in a certified adoptive home, the adopting parents file a petition for the adoption to be granted or finalized. A hearing is set for 60 to 180 days later, depending on the specific situation. During the waiting period, an agency or court-appointed worker makes home visits to assess the adjustment of the parents and child. That person then submits a report to the court that helps the judge decide whether to grant the adoption.