Hello. We are happy to have the opportunity to walk you through the foster care and/or adoption process. We will answer your adoption questions and assist you in making the process a positive experience.
Contact Information for English (y español)
877-KIDS-NEED-U
877-543-7633
Para información en español, contacte:
AZ Kids Need You
877-KIDS-NEED-U (1-877-543-7633)
Licensing Requirements for Foster or Adoption
Adoption, Foster and Fost-Adopt Qualifications:
You could make a wonderful parent to a waiting child if you…
- Are an adult, legal resident of Arizona;
- Are single, married, divorced or widowed;
- Meet minimum age requirements (21 to foster, 18 to adopt);
- Own or rent your home or apartment.
The Process
You’ll begin by a licensed adoption agency in the county you live in. (You do not have to adopt from the county you live in.) He or she will help you learn more about adoption and guide you through the process. But first, please review the steps below.
More Information about Fostering:
While adoption is permanent, fostering is usually providing temporary care for a child while their birth family works with a social worker to improve the situation so that the child can return to his/her birth family. Learn more about Foster Care Qualifications.
More Information about Fost-Adopt:
“Fost-Adopt” is when you begin the foster care process knowing that you hope to adopt. Once your foster family assessment is approved, you may be eligible to have a child placed in your home for foster care.
When contacting contracted agencies, please specify that you want to adopt from foster care to ensure you receive the correct information.
Does it Cost to Foster or Adopt?
Foster: In Arizona, being licensed to become a foster care parent is free!
Adoption: Most of Arizona’s contracted licensing agencies charge an $800 adoption certification fee. This fee is reimbursed to adopting families when a waiting Arizona child from the foster care system (who is legally free for adoption) is placed into their home for the purposes of adoption. So, ultimately, adopting an Arizona child from foster care is free.
Families can, and do, adopt children from foster care in other states every year. When families adopt children who are in foster care and eligible for subsidy, the families may be eligible for reimbursement of limited nonrecurring adoption-related costs through the child’s state and/or federal options.
Parent Support Groups
Arizona Association of Foster and Adoptive Families
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
Agency Contact and Orientation Information
View Orientation Schedule
Find a Nonprofit or Private Agency
Find a Dept. of Economic Security Office:
Please call us at 877-KIDS-NEED-U for more information.
Information on Children
In Arizona, the children who need temporary and permanent families are teenagers, toddlers, infants, school-aged children and sibling groups. Learn more specific information at our website.