Adoption through foster care can be a unique and rewarding experience. The process is
different from other forms of adoption, so it’s important to understand the processes before
getting started. Depending on where you live, the requirements may vary slightly; if you’re in
Arizona, Building Arizona Families can assist you in adopting a U.S. foster child through our
Forever Families program.

First and foremost, you must meet the state’s eligibility requirements for adoptive parents.
These requirements typically involve age, financial stability, health, and personal qualifications
including background checks. In addition, you must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle
registration, and insurance. After the initial application is approved, you will need to participate
in a home study and possibly take classes that focus on parenting skills and any specialized
knowledge related to the needs of the child you hope to adopt.
Once you’ve completed the necessary training and background checks, you can then begin the
process of connecting with a foster child who needs a home. You may be asked to provide a
profile of your family and home life to be presented to potential matchings; it’s important to be
honest and open about your abilities and limits as a parent. This can help ensure a successful
match between you and your adopted child.

The Financial Reality

Adopting through foster care is one of the most cost–effective adoption programs available. In
the state of Arizona, for example, the home study process typically costs around $1,100 with our
agency, Building Arizona Families. Additionally, our Forever Families U.S. Adoption Program
fee of $3,500 is due prior to beginning the adoption selection process.

Adoption through foster care requires a significant time commitment. From the initial
paperwork and application process to the final court hearing, it can take anywhere from 12
months to 2 years, depending on where you live.
The first step is to complete the requested forms, including a background check, medical forms, and
other requirements. The next step is the home study, which typically consists of several visits to
your home with the Building Arizona Families social worker.
After the home study is complete, a social worker works with you to help you select a child or
children that you are interested in. After you have decided on the foster child/children you are
interested in bringing home, your home study is submitted to that child’s/children’s government–
appointed caseworker. The caseworker collects a selected number of home studies and
chooses the family they feel is best suited to meet the needs of the available child/children. The
length of the selection process and the number of pre–placement transition visits will vary per
the children’s home location.
Once your adoption is finalized, and your child is home with you, you will begin the post–
placement visits from your social worker. This can be anywhere from weekly visits for 6 months
or more, depending on your state regulations. This is an essential part of the adoption process
as it helps to ensure that your relationship with the adopted child is secure and beneficial for
both of you.
Finally, there is a court process that must take place for the adoption to be finalized. This
includes a hearing where the judge will review all the paperwork and make sure that the
adoption is in the best interest of the child. The court hearing itself usually lasts no longer than
an hour and the decision made by the judge is final. After the adoption is legally recognized, the
adoptive parents receive their certificate of adoption, and their rights as legal guardians are
officially established!