Aid to Adoption of Special Kids - East Valley Office

There are over 17,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system, and more kids enter the system every day in need of foster families, homes and care. AASK is the largest agency in Arizona that is solely focused on finding families for children through foster care, adoption and mentoring. In our 26-year history, we have found permanent homes for more than 2,300 children. Last year, AASK provided 226,383 nights in a home for foster children in Arizona. We also have a team dedicated to supporting kinship families who are caring for a loved one’s child.

Step 1: Contact Us. Contact our Recruitment Hotline at 602.930.4900. We will mail the packet of information to you. You can also request a packet by filling out our “Next Steps” form. Step 2: Attend an Orientation. Adoption orientations are free, mandatory and held throughout the Valley. During the orientation, one of our specialists will give you an overview of the adoption process, guide you through every step of the process, share profiles of the waiting children and answer your questions. Step 3: Complete the Adoption Application and Intake Interview. At the end of the orientation, you will be given an application to fill out. Once AASK has received your completed application, one of our specialists will contact you to conduct an intake interview. This interview is an informal meeting to discuss specific adoption needs and to provide additional information regarding the adoption process. This step is the starting point of the relationship between AASK and the prospective adoptive parent(s). Step 4: Have a Home Study Prepared. The home study provides AASK and the state with comprehensive information needed to place a child in your care. You and your specialist will meet several times during the process. You will need to submit various documents including copies of your birth certificate(s), marriage license (if applicable), income tax returns, and medical reports completed by your physician. All adults in your home must be fingerprinted and cleared through the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Step 5: Complete a Training Series. While the home study is underway, you will attend a 30-hour mandated training course, where you will learn parenting skills, assess your own strengths as a parent, and better understand the particular needs of children in the foster care system. Step 6: Be Matched With a Child. Now you are ready to begin the matching process. You will have the opportunity to look at our “Meet the Kids” Gallery and review profiles of other Arizo