What procedures are followed to ensure that adoptive parents are fit to adopt a child?

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.