ADOPTION
HOME STUDIES

PROFESSIONAL ADOPTION HOME STUDIES ARE REQUIRED BEFORE FAMILIES CAN ADOPT A CHILD INTERNATIONALLY OR FROM ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.
Professional adoption home studies satisfy the legal requirements for the State of Arizona, domestic adoptions in other states, international adoptions, and all out-of-state adoption agencies coordinating child placements.
Our goal is to make the home study a positive experience and to support you in becoming adoptive parents. We offer adoption home study resource materials, pre- and post-placement adoption counseling, and personal support.
PLEASE NOTE: Building Arizona Families does not provide international home study services for families adopting independently or through facilitators. Families who are adopting internationally must be working with a Hague Accredited agency or Hague Accredited attorney.
Lisa Peterson
623-692-4424
HOW THE Adoption home studies PROCESSes WORK
The State of Arizona requires that your adoption home study social worker spend at least 4 hours with you face-to-face during a minimum of 2 visits. At least 2 of these hours must be spent in your home.
During this process, adoptive parents will need to provide:
- Court Issued Birth Certificates
- Court Issued Marriage Licenses and Divorce Decrees
- Previous Year’s Tax Return
- 5 Letters of Reference (2 from family, 3 from friends)
- An Autobiography
- CPS Clearance
- Fingerprint Clearance
- Adoption Education
BUILDING A HOME STUDY
Home studies are mandatory for every adoptive family in the United States whether they are adopting a child domestically or internationally.
Autobiography
Adoption Education
Including but not limited to those offered by:
Adoption Learning Partners – adoptionlearningpartners.org
Heart of the Matter Education – heartofthemattereducation.com
Creating a Family – adoptioned.org
Adoption Training Online – adoptiontrainingonline.com
National Council For Adoption – www.adoptioncouncil.org
BAF will accept another agency’s adoption training requirements for international adoptions providing it meets our ten hour requirement.
Medical/Health Statement
Background Records Check
Financial Statements
Character References
Personal Interview
Home
Religion
Race
Other Children
Supporting Documents
- Birth Certificate(s) – if you do not already have a birth certificate you may order one from Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state you were born. The Bureau of Vital Statistics is typically located in the capital city of the state.
- Marriage License – (if applicable) contact the County Clerk where your marriage took place.
- Divorce Decree(s) – (if applicable) contact the County Clerk where the decree was issued.
- Military Discharge(s) – (if applicable)
- Latest Income Tax Return
- Employment Verification – this is usually completed by having your employer(s) write a letter on company letterhead stating position, salary, length of employment, and that you are in good standing with the company. If one spouse does not work, a statement to that effect is usually required.
- Insurance Verification -having your insurance company write a letter stating when they will begin covering your child (i.e., time of relinquishment, transfer of custody, or when you take your child home) will help you plan your adoption finances and have a written record in case there are discrepancies at the time of placement. Have them include your insurance verification numbers on the letter.