Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an order last week, effectively allowing qualifying same-sex couples to adopt children presently under the care of the state.
“With 17,000 children under the state’s care, we need more adoption in Arizona, not less,” Ducey said in a statement. “That’s why I feel strongly – as I have said many times before – that all loving families should be able to serve as foster parents and adopt.”
The order is the latest development in a series concerning gay couples’ right to adopt children. Last year, the Department of Child Safety issued adoption licenses to same-sex couples who were legally married but reversed this policy in February. The latest policy change may not be the end of the adoption see-saw for same-sex couples.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today concerning the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans by states in Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan and Kentucky. When the court issues a decision it may affect the status of same-sex marriage in Arizona, as well as gay couples’ ability to adopt.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety uses a variety of factors to determine whether a person or couple is qualified to adopt a child:
- Social history and references
- Finances
- Moral fitness
- Physical and mental health
- Court actions regarding child abuse
- Criminal history records check for everyone in your household
- Other relevant information
Please note that the above factors are for Arizona guidelines. Private adoptions may bring their own set of unique criteria and inter-country (foreign) adoptions bring a different set of hurdles, including immigration.
If you need help with adoption or terminating parental rights, contact DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC.
