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.
Family Service Agency does not have an international adoption placement program.
Step Parent Adoptions
A Step Parent Adoption (as defined by Arizona law) is where the prospective adoptive parent is the child's step parent. The Court requires the step parent to be legally married to the child's birth or legal parent for at least one year before an adoption can be finalized.
When step parents adopt, the non-custodial birth parent either consents to the adoption or a court hearing must be held to terminate the rights of the parent who does not consent.
If a Termination Hearing is needed, the court typically requires an agency to prepare a study on the adoptive family and on the circumstances regarding the need to seek termination of the birth parent’s parental rights.
After the birth parent consents to the adoption or after the court has legally terminated the parental rights of the birth parent, the case is ready for an agency to prepare an adoption home study according to court requirements.
For termination and adoption studies you will need to complete an adoption application and provide the agency with supporting application documents.
Relative Adoptions
A Relative Adoption (as defined by Arizona law) is where the prospective adoptive parent is the child's adult sibling or the child's aunt, uncle, grandparent or great-grandparent.
When relatives adopt, the birth mother and birth father either consent to the adoption or a court hearing must be held to terminate the rights of any parent who does not consent.
If a Termination Hearing is needed, the court typically requires an agency to prepare a study on the adoptive family and on the circumstances regarding the need to seek termination of the birth parent’s parental rights.
After the birth parents consent to the adoption or after the court has legally terminated the parental rights of the birth parents, the case is ready for an agency to prepare an adoption home study according to court requirements.
For termination and adoption studies you will need to complete an adoption application and provide the agency with supporting application documents.
Private and International Adoptions
If you are pursuing a private or international adoption*, Family Service Agency can assist you with your adoption home study and post placement services. 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 all non relative adoptions 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.
For post placement services regular home visits are made to see how you and your child are doing until your adoption becomes finalized through the court. Post placement services for international adoptions depend on the specific country’s requirements.
For adoption home studies and post placement services you will need to complete an adoption application and provide the agency with supporting application documents.
Family Service Agency does not have an international adoption placement program. If you are already working with an international adoption agency and need a local agency to do your adoption home study and post placement services, please contact us at (602)264-9891 for further information.
*Limitations apply