There is an urgent need for loving families to adopt children from the foster care system. Across the United States, over 120,000 children are waiting for permanent homes and families to call their own (source: AdoptUSKids). If you’re considering adoption, learning how to adopt a child in Arizona or throughout the U.S. can open the door to changing a child’s life forever.
How to Adopt a Child in Arizona
Adopting a child from the foster care system involves several steps and legal requirements, but the impact on a child’s life is immeasurable. Building Arizona Families is a reputable agency that assists Arizona residents in this noble journey. Notably, while families must reside in Arizona, the children available for adoption can be from anywhere in the U.S.
Legal Requirements for Adoption Eligibility:
What makes a child legally adoptable? If a parent is unable to remedy the unsafe behaviors that led to the child(ren) being removed from their custody in order to reunify with their child, parental rights are legally severed. The adoptive parents then achieve full legal custody, and all parental rights are transferred to the adoptive parents.
Age: Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 18 years old.
Background Check: All adults residing in your home must pass an FBI and local law enforcement background check, as well as obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Home Study: An evaluation of the home environment, which Building Arizona Families can facilitate.
Financial Stability: Prospective parents must be financially stable, though homeownership is not required.
Steps to Adopt a Foster Child in Arizona or Around the U.S.:
Initial Inquiry: Contact Building Arizona Families to express your interest and get your initial questions answered. Contact Ixcel Baca, the program manager by calling call (623) 936-4729 or e-mailing her at: [email protected].
Attend Orientation: Participate in an orientation session to fully understand the adoption process. Building Arizona Families offers these regularly.
Home Study: Complete a home study with the assistance of Building Arizona Families. Families are not obligated to become foster parents before adopting, but completing a home study is necessary. This process ensures that the home is a safe and supportive environment for a child.
Training: Undergo required training for adoptive parents.
Match with a Child: Work with the agency to find a suitable match for your family.
Placement: Once a match is made, the child is placed in your home.
Finalization: Complete the legal adoption process in court.
Adopting through Building Arizona Families is an excellent choice for adopting Arizona foster children or foster children from any state in the U.S. We have been helping Arizona families adopt since 2004, have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are licensed through the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Our professional team provides comprehensive assistance throughout the Forever Families adoption journey, ensuring that both the child and the family are well-prepared for a successful transition. Read more reasons why Building Arizona Families is the right choice for your adoption journey HERE.
Ready to Start Your Adoption Journey?
If you’re ready to change a foster child’s life, download a free information kit HERE or contact Ixcel Baca, the program manager, at [email protected] or call (623) 936-4729. Your decision to adopt a child in Arizona or around the U.S. could be the loving commitment a child has been waiting and hoping for.