In Arizona, the basic requirements to become either a licensed foster parent or a certified adoptive parent are as follows:

• Must be a legal US and Arizona resident
• May be married, single, divorced or widowed
• Must be 21 or older (18 for adoption)
• Adult household members must be fingerprinted for a criminal history records check
• Must be physically, mentally and emotionally able to care for children. A current medical statement from each applicant is a required part of the application.
• Must complete pre-service training/education curriculum (no charge)
• Must provide proof of economic stability
• Must have a residence that is a safe environment for children – must pass a basic life-safety inspection (home ownership is not required)
• Must actively participate in the family and home study process
• Must have access to transportation
• Must have a telephone

*Process may take approximately 6 months and requires a substantial time commitment.

All children deserve to be cherished and raised in a safe and loving family. Unfortunately, many parents are unable to provide a safe environment for their child. If relatives aren’t able to care for the child, he/she is placed in a foster home. Foster parents then become a temporary family for the child until things can be resolved with their parent(s) and safety is restored in the home. Sometimes children are never able to return home safely; this is when a “forever family’ is sought for the child and the adoptive parent(s) become the child’s permanent family.

If you are a stable, mature, committed and dependable adult and are willing to be flexible; if you have a sense of humor and enjoy the company of children; if you are ready to advocate for a child’s best interest and work as a team player with case workers, therapists and other service providers, we encourage you to take the next step towards becoming a foster or adoptive parent!

For more information about adoption or foster care in Arizona, please call:
1-877-KIDS-NEEDU or 1-877-543-7633
or visit: http://www.azdes.gov/dcyf/adoption/