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PROJECT PERMANENCE: ADOPTING WITH ONWARD HOPE

AdoptUsKids: What you need to know about teens and adoption from foster care

ADOPTION MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Not wanting to be a foster parent first?

 

Adoption occurs when a biological parent's rights are permanently severed and the approved adoptive parent(s) become the legal parent(s) who makes all decisions and cares for the child. The child(ren)'s birth certificate will then show the new name of the child, should it be changed in any way, and will display the adoptive parent(s) on as the legal parent(s). 

 

Onward Hope offers Straight Adoption for an $800 fee. This amount is reimbursed through the adoption process of a legally free child who is a ward of the state in Arizona. Check out the Arizona Heart Gallery and Adopt US Kids for more information on Arizona adoption ready kids.

 

In Arizona adoptive parent(s) must be certified by the court as acceptable to adopt children. A certificate will be issued only after an investigation. The certificate process includes:

 

  • written application 

  • adoption orientation and training

  • a certification investigation and report to the court that considers the prospective adoptive parents' fitness to adopt children

  • social history and references

  • finances

  • moral fitness

  • physical and mental health 

  • any court action regarding child abuse

  • a valid fingerprint clearance card for you and every adult member of your household

  • any other relevant information 

GUARDIANSHIP VS. ADOPTION

What's the difference?

 

Adoption occurs when a biological parent's rights are permanently severed and the approved adoptive parent(s) become the legal parent(s) who makes all decisions and cares for the child. The child(ren)'s birth certificate will then show the new name of the child, should it be changed in any way, and will display the adoptive parent(s) on as the legal parent(s). 

 

Guardianship means the parents' rights are suspended. Guardians still make all day to day decisions for the children and are legally responsible, however, guardianship can be reversed. A judge may rule in favor of reversal if the parent remedies the reasons for the initial guardianship and it is in the best interest of the child. The law permits a parent to pursue a reversal of guardianship at any time.

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