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Frequently Asked Questions

Foster Care and Adoption

Who are the children who need foster homes and adoption?

Children come into foster care through no fault of their own. They come into care because their parents are not able to safely care for them, not because of something they have done. Children who come into foster care will need a foster home until they are safely reunified with their parent(s). If the parent(s) are unable to remedy the reasons that brought their child into care, then the court will terminate parental rights so the child can achieve permanency through adoption.

How is adoption different from foster care?

While a child is in foster care, the child’s parents will work their case plan to safely reunify with the child. Foster care is intended to be temporary until a child can return home. If a parent is unable to reunify with their child, adoption allows the child to achieve permanency by way of full legal custody and rights given to the adoptive parents.

Do I have to be a foster parent in order to adopt?

No. You may choose to only be certified to adopt through the court. However, being a foster parent provides parenting experience to potential adoptive parents.

Do I need a license to be a foster or adoptive parent?

Not necessarily. Family members caring for children who are in the custody of DCS do not need to be licensed, but will still need to pass the home safety inspection. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent for children who are in the custody of DCS and are not considered kinship, you must be licensed. If you are interested in adopting from foster care, you must be certified by the court to adopt.

Am I eligible for medical leave (FMLA)?

You can find information about using Family Medical Leave (FMLA) for foster parents on the U.S. Department of Labor's website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

Do I need to own my home to be a licensed foster parent or certified adoptive parent?

You do not need to own your home to be a licensed foster parent or certified adoptive parent. However, your home must be able to pass a home safety inspection. The Life Safety Inspection (LSI) is a vital part of the licensing process. DCS must guarantee the situation in which the children are placed is safe. You can view the LSI Preparation Guide here (CSO-1601 Preparation Guide CSO-1603 Preparation Guide in Spanish).

Who can be foster or adoptive parents?

You can be single, married or in a relationship, but if you are married, both parties must complete all requirements. Applicants for the licensing or certification process must be able to pass an FBI and local criminal background check (in addition to any other adults in the home) and have a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Department of Public Safety. To become a licensed foster parent, you must be at least 21 years old. If you are seeking certification you adopt, you must be at least 18 years old.

Can a single person be licensed as a foster parent or be certified to adopt?

Yes a single person may become licensed for foster care or certified to adopt.

What are the basic requirements in Arizona for becoming a foster or adoptive parent(s)?

In Arizona, you can be single, married or in a relationship, but if you are married, both parties must complete all requirements. You must be at least 21 years old to foster and at least 18 years old to adopt. You — and all adults in your household — must pass a FBI and local criminal background check and have a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the Department of Public Safety.

What are some of the characteristics of foster and adoptive parents?

Foster and adoptive parents can take many forms! Some characteristics include: being dependable, feeling a sense of commitment, having a great sense of humor, being willing to work as part of a team, wanting to help the community, feeling compassion towards others, and more!

Who will I work with as a foster parent?

Foster parents are part of a team! You will work with the child's assigned DCS Specialist and your agency Licensing Worker consistently. Some other members of the team may include: Behavioral Health Case Managers, a CASA, a GAL/attorney, case/parent aides, and others. Each child's case is different and will have different team members.

Do I have to be a foster parent before I can adopt a child?

No, you do not need to be a foster parent before you adopt a child. However, doing so will provide you with additional education and experience that may help you navigate the DCS/court/behavioral health systems, as well as the needs of caring for a child.

How do I become a foster parent?

Please call us for more information at 1-877-543-7633, Option 1. You can also view more information here.

Are there state funds available after adoption?

Yes. Foster children may qualify for a subsidy after they are adopted. You can find information on the adoption subsidy by visiting the DCS Policy Manual here.

Are all adopted children eligible for subsidy?

No. The subsidy is based on the child's individual needs. The DCS Adoption Subsidy Review Committee determines eligibility for each child.

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Arizona Department of Child Safety