Full Service Domestic Newborn Adoption Program
Family Service Agency is a private, not-for-profit, non-sectarian, United Way member agency. Established in 1902, we are the longest continually operating, locally founded social service agency in Arizona. The agency’s Pregnancy Counseling and Adoption Program has been in operation since 1945. Family Service Agency works together with individuals, couples, and families of diverse backgrounds.
Family Service Agency offers a full range of adoption services to birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents. Within the full service domestic newborn adoption program, all components of the adoption are managed through Family Service Agency. This is in contrast with adoptions where families become identified with birth parents either on their own or through another source such as an attorney.
Application Process
Applications for adoption for our full service program are accepted from individuals or couples who meet the following criteria:
- If the applicant is single, he/she must be 25 years of age.
If the applicants present to Family Service agency as a married couple, at least one member of the couple must be 25 years of age. - If you are a married couple, you must be married for at least one year.
- You must live in Maricopa County, Arizona.
If you meet the above criteria:
- Please contact us to request a “Preliminary Application to Adopt” and return the preliminary application to our program in order to be notified of our upcoming adoption information meetings and trainings.
- Information Meeting: At the Information meeting, you will receive detailed
information about the Agency, the adoption application, home study, and the procedures to
follow for participation in the program. Any questions you have will be answered.
Information Meetings are held throughout the year when numbers of placements indicate more prospective adoptive parents should begin the adoption home study process. - Training Sessions: Prospective adoptive parents are required to attend Training Sessions before placement occurs. Session times and dates will be announced. There are three sessions and each lasts approximately 2-3 hours.
- Adoptive Home Study: The home study is a process of getting to know you so a recommendation on certification for adoption can be made. Certification is a legal requirement for adoption in Arizona. The home study consists of a series of interviews with you and with your references. Also, documents are verified. The home study report will be submitted to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court for certification. The court issues certification which is formal approval to adopt.
- Placement: Once the home study is completed, you will join the group of prospective adoptive parents who are awaiting placement of a child. Placement may occur at any time after certification. Placements are made when a child who is legally free for adoption has been matched with you.
- Post Placement: Regular home visits are made to see how you and your child are doing until your child’s adoption becomes finalized through the Court.
Fees
Our full service adoption program fees are based on a sliding fee schedule.
About the Program Staff
We are a small local program offering non-judgmental and culturally sensitive services. Each adoption professional working in our program has a degree in social work and experience working with all members of the adoption triad. We recognize that adoption is a sensitive, personal and emotional process. Our staff works closely with each family throughout every step of the adoption process.
Please contact us at (602)-264-9891 if you have questions or need assistance. We are here to help you in any way we can.
Other Adoption Services
Family Service Agency also provides home studies and post placement services to families pursuing international adoption*, private adoption, step parent adoption, and relative adoption.
*Limitations apply