Foster Care and Adoption
We’re in this together
With approximately 11,000 children in the care of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), we are looking for prospective foster and adoptive parents who can meet the needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Whether you are already providing care to a child as a kinship foster parent, or you have thought about helping a child in the foster care system who is unknown to you, Southwest Human Development’s Foster Care and Adoption program staff can assist you!
Before taking the first step, make sure you meet the basic requirements
Are you:
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- 21 years of age or older
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- A legal resident of the United States
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- Able to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license (if you intend to transport a child)
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- Able to pass a criminal history records check
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- Able to pass a DCS records check
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- Willing to abide by DCS rules and regulations
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- Able to participate in pre-service training
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- Able to ensure your home meets life-safety inspection requirements
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- Able to embrace the concept of “shared parenting”
If you answered “Yes” to each of the above, you are eligible to apply!
Click here to learn more about the steps to becoming a foster parent.
Our intake specialist will provide you with an overview of the foster care and adoption process, and will answer any questions you may have. For more information, please contact Chawndra Locket at (602) 633-8193 or clocket@swhd.org to begin working with us today!
You can also call the Arizona Department of Child Safety at 1-877-KIDS-NEED-U (1-877-543-7633).
Training and Support
Southwest Human Development is proud to offer training to prospective and current foster and adoptive parents throughout Maricopa County at no cost to participants.
Foster Parent College and CPR/First Aid
To register for a training class, please contact Chawndra Locket at (602) 633-8193 or clocket@swhd.org. There is a $30 fee to participate in the CPR/First Aid training when offered.