Application Process

Policy

The Department welcomes applications for adoption of eligible children in its care, custody and control and shall consider requests from any individual who meets the criteria specified by Arizona law.

The Department's priorities for accepting and processing certification applications and for providing services shall be:

• applicants for whom the court has ordered the Department to do a certification investigation and report;

• applicants seeking to adopt a particular adoptable child with special needs;

• applicants who wish to adopt a child with special needs;

• applicants who have indicated they would consider adopting a child with special needs; and

• all other applicants.

Before accepting applications, the Department shall provide prospective adoptive families with the information necessary to make an informed decision about adoption.

Prior to accepting a formal application to adopt from a person contemplating adoption of a special needs child, the Department shall provide a minimum of 30 hours of Foster Parent College Training.

To be considered as a potential adoptive parent - whether for a specific child or for a child unknown to the applicant - an individual must complete and submit a formal application for adoption, along with a certification fee (unless it has been waived or deferred). The application process includes submission of:

• a completed Initial Application Worksheet, CSO-1236A, which includes a financial statement;

• a Fingerprint Clearance Card Application, DPS 802-06857, for each adult member of the household; and FBI Fingerprint Card, FD-258;

• a Health Self-Disclosure/ Physician's Statement, CSO-1232A, for each parent; and

• a Criminal History Self-Disclosure Affidavit, DCS-1078.

Requests for waivers or deferments of certification investigation and report fees must occur prior to the filing of the formal application to adopt, by completing Application for Deferment of Adoption Certification Fee.