Please note that this article is intended to provide guidance to persons residing in Arizona. Out of State hopeful adoptive families with current certifications to adopt please click to contact if you have specific questions related to requirements to adopt.

In Arizona, to adopt a child you must meet an array of criteria set forth to ensure the suitability of the prospective adoptive parent to adopt.

Initial Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 18. Those seeking to foster to adopt must be at least 21 years of age.

• You must be a resident of the United States of America.

• You may be single or married. If married both spouses must be part of the adoption petition.

Background Checks & Certification:

• You must complete an orientation to adoption.

• Every adult in you home over the age of 18 (including yourself) must pass local, state, and FBI criminal background checks. Additionally, you must be able to obtain a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card.

• You must be in good physical & mental health. Your physical & mental health must be verified by a physician.

• You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income to financially support the child(ren) you are seeking to adopt.

• You must obtain a home study report completed by a social worker to ensure that your living environment, background, finances, and etc. are acceptable for moving forward in the adoption process.

• A judge must issue you a certification to adopt.