In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependecy and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
How do I begin the process to be certified to adopt a foster child?
Arizona contracts with individual licensing agencies to conduct home studies. The best way to begin the process to become an adoptive parent is by watching the Orientation Videos on the DCS foster care page. While foster care and adoption are different, the videos provide a good overview of the process for both, as well as giving you information about the needs of our children and tips on how to select the agency that will be the best fit for your family. Families must receive approval thru their state ICPC office and, in some states, receive certification from the court to adopt. Arizona now provides families the option of finalizing ICPC adoptions either in Arizona or the state where the child is currently residing.
Response provided by the Arizona Department of Child Safety
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