Frequently Asked Questions

The adoption process with Arizona Adoption Reunification typically involves an application, home study, and matching process with a potential birth mother or child.

The State of Arizona regulates what fees can be charged for Confidential Intermediary Services.. Fees charged by Confidential Intermediaries are set by ACJA § 7-203.  

Arizona Adoption Reunification offers a free 3o minute, no-obligation consultation phone call.   Additionally, there are convenient payment options and payment plans if needed.

The Confidential Intermediary Program was established by the Arizona State Legislature in 1992, by enacting A.R.S. §8-134 (adoption triad member searches). 

In 2007, the Arizona State Legislature extended the role of the Confidential Intermediary Program to include the Sibling Information Exchange Program (SIX) by enacting A.R.S. §8-543, which provides former dependent children the ability to locate and stay in touch with siblings separated by a dependency action.

Under both statutes, Confidential Intermediaries are provided access to court records to obtain information necessary to locate the sought-after party. Consent from all parties is required to share identifying information.

Confidential Intermediaries must complete training requirements, comply with a background review, and pass a certification examination administered by the Certification and Licensing Division of the Arizona Supreme Court.

1. The adoptive parents of an adoptee who is at least eighteen years of age or, if the adoptive parents are deceased, the adoptee's guardian.

2. An adoptee if the adoptee is at least eighteen years of age.

3. If an adoptee is deceased, the adoptee's spouse if the spouse is the legal parent or guardian of any child of the adoptee.

4. If an adoptee is deceased, any progeny of the adoptee who is at least eighteen years of age.

5. Either of the birth parents of an adoptee.

6. The biological grandparent of the adoptee or other members of the adoptee's extended biological family.

7. A biological sibling of the adoptee if the sibling is at least eighteen years of age.

Confidentiality

In closed adoption searches, consent is required by both parties before any identifying information can be shared. If one party refuses to consent to share information, no information can be shared 

Resources 

Confidential Intermediaries are authorized to inspect sealed court records, state "division agency" records, maternity home and adoption agency records not otherwise available to the public. 

Medical Information

With a written statement from a physician, the court may order non-identifying medical information to be provided regardless of an adoptee’s age.

Sensitivity & Professionalism

Confidential Intermediaries are trained to handle sensitive situations with the utmost professionalism.

 Sibling Information Exchange Program (SIX)
The Sibling Exchange Program (SIX) provides an opportunity for former dependent children to stay in touch and exchange information with their siblings (brothers and sisters). It includes adopted children and those in foster care, group homes, or residential treatment centers.
You may participate in SIX if you are one of the following:

• 18 years or older and a former dependent child.
• 17 or under and a former dependent child. If under 18, your participation must include your adoptive parent, guardian or biological parent if he or she has legal custody and is not involved in a current juvenile court dependency case.
• Over 18 and you are the sibling of a former dependent child.