Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-5-405 - Certification Investigation

A. Following acceptance of a completed certification application, the adoption entity shall conduct a certification investigation that includes:

1. Personal interviews with the adoptive family. Such interviews shall:

a. Occur on at least two separate occasions, at least one of which shall be at the adoptive parent's residence;

b. Comprise no less than four hours of in person contact, and at least one hour shall take place at the adoptive parent's residence;

c. Include at least one separate interview with each member of the adoptive parent's household who is more than the age of five; and

d. Include at least one joint interview with both adoptive parents if they are married;

2. Written statements from and personal contact (either a face-to-face meeting or a telephone call) with at least three of the applicant's personal references;

3. An inquiry as to whether the applicant wishes to be listed in the Adoption Registry;

4. Verification of the applicant's financial condition through a review of one or more of the documents listed in subsection (A)(7)(g) below;

5. A request to the Department for a check of the Central Registry to determine if the applicant has a past record of substantiated allegations of child abuse or neglect;

6. An evaluation of the success of the placement of other children adopted by the applicant;

7. A review of any supporting documentation the adoption entity reasonably deems necessary to determine an applicant's fitness to adopt, including:

a. A physician's statement regarding the physical health of other adult household members and the applicant's children living in the home;

b. A statement from a psychiatrist or psychologist regarding the mental health of the applicant and the applicant's other household members;

c. Birth certificates;

d. Marriage certificate;

e. Dissolution of marriage or divorce papers and orders, including child support documentation;

f. Military discharge papers;

g. Financial statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and W-2 statements;

h. Bankruptcy papers;

i. Insurance policy information; and

j. Documentation showing Arizona residency.

B. A person who meets the qualifications listed in 21 A.A.C. 9, Article 2, shall perform the certification investigation and shall document all personal contacts made and all information reviewed and considered during the investigation.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-5-405

New section made by exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 3256, effective 1/24/2016.