reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-103 - Corporate surety; power of attorney; fee

7-103.
Corporate surety;  power of attorney;  fee
A. When a bond or undertaking conditioned upon the faithful performance of a duty,  or upon doing or refraining from doing anything in the bond or undertaking specified,  is by the laws of this state required or permitted to be given with surety,  the execution or the guaranteeing of the performance of the condition shall be sufficient when executed or guaranteed solely by a corporation incorporated under the laws of the United States,  or of any state,  authorized to execute the bond or undertaking within this state,  if the bond or undertaking is approved by the court,  body or person required to approve or accept it. An officer or person having the power of approval of a bond shall not exact that it be furnished by a surety company or by a particular surety company.
B. The corporate surety shall file with the clerk of the superior court a power of attorney for each agent of such surety appointed to execute a bond in its behalf. A fee established pursuant to section 12-284 for each such filing shall be paid to the clerk of the superior court.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-104 - Bonds payable to state

7-104.
Bonds payable to state
Any bond or undertaking given by a trustee,  receiver,  assignee or officer of a court in any action or proceeding for the faithful discharge of his duties,  where it is not otherwise provided,  shall be payable to the state,  and upon leave of the court where the action or proceeding is pending,  may be prosecuted for the benefit of any and all persons interested therein.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-105 - Bail undertaking in a criminal action as lien

7-105.
Bail undertaking in a criminal action as lien
A. A bail undertaking in a criminal action,  or after conviction of a defendant,  or upon appeal therefrom shall be a lien on any real property described therein from the time of recording such undertaking in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the property is located.
B. Upon filing an order with the county recorder of the county where the property is located canceling the undertaking the lien shall be discharged.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-106 - Deposit in lieu of bond

7-106.
Deposit in lieu of bond
A. In a civil or criminal matter or proceeding when a bond is required of a party,  he may,  instead of giving the bond,  deposit with the court lawful money of the United States in the sum required in the bond,  which shall be accepted in lieu of the bond. If the party has given bond,  he may,  before its forfeiture,  deposit the sum mentioned in the bond,  whereupon the bond shall be exonerated. A party having deposited money in lieu of giving bond,  may,  before its forfeiture,  withdraw the money upon the giving and approval of a sufficient bond.
B. When money has been deposited and remains on deposit at the time of judgment or disposition of the matter,  and thereby has become liable to the satisfaction thereof,  the money shall,  under the direction of the court,  be applied in the same manner and to the same extent as if it had been recovered upon a bond given for that purpose. Where an appeal is taken and money has been deposited in lieu of a bond,  the deposit shall be disposed of in the same manner as if it were a bond filed in the proceeding.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-107 - Sufficiency of bond; objection

7-107.
Sufficiency of bond;  objection
In an action or proceeding in a state court,  when a bond is required or permitted to be given,  the adverse party may object to its sufficiency at any time within three days after receiving notice of giving the bond,  by serving the adverse party,  or the officer who takes the bond,  with a written notice that he does not accept the bond. A failure to serve the notice shall be deemed an acceptance of the bond,  and the officer taking it shall be exonerated from liability.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-108 - Notice of justification

7-108.
Notice of justification
The party or officer receiving the notice provided for in section 7-107 shall,  within three days,  serve the opposite party with a notice in writing that the sureties on the bond,  or other sureties will justify before an officer authorized to approve the bond,  and the time and place when and where the sureties will justify.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-109 - Sureties; examination on sufficiency; attorney of party ineligible as surety

7-109.
Sureties;  examination on sufficiency;  attorney of party ineligible as surety
Each of the sureties shall attend before the officer at the time and place mentioned in the notice provided for in sections 7-107 and 7-108 and may be examined on oath touching his sufficiency in such manner as the officer deems proper. If the officer finds the sureties sufficient he shall endorse his allowance on the bond and cause it to be filed with the clerk or justice. No bond shall be allowed or approved wherein any attorney of record of either party to the action or proceeding is a surety.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-110 - Joint control of assets secured by bond

7-110.
Joint control of assets secured by bond
A. Any party of whom a bond,  undertaking or other obligation is required and his surety may make an agreement providing for the safekeeping of any monies or assets for which he and his surety are or may be responsible by depositing them with a bank,  savings bank,  safe-deposit or trust company authorized by law to do business as such or with any other depository approved by the court if the deposit is otherwise proper. The agreement may provide that the withdrawal of the monies or assets or any part thereof may be made only with the written consent of the surety or upon order of court made on such notice to the surety as the court may direct.
B. The agreement authorized by subsection A shall not in any manner release from or change the liability of the principal or surety as established by the terms of the bond.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-121 - Irresponsible surety; procedure

7-121.
Irresponsible surety;  procedure
In all actions or proceedings in which an injunction,  attachment or garnishment bond is executed,  the defendant may at any time present to the court a statement in writing,  under the oath of the defendant or his agent or attorney,  that the sureties or a surety on the bond was at the time of becoming a surety,  not responsible as such surety,  or has become irresponsible since the execution of the bond. Thereupon the court shall cause a notice of the statement to be served upon the plaintiff,  and shall cite the plaintiff to appear and show cause within five days after the service of notice why the plaintiff should not be required to execute a new and sufficient bond.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 7 - Bonds › § 7-122 - Hearing on sufficiency

7-122.
Hearing on sufficiency
The court shall summarily hear the issue upon the sufficiency of the bond,  and if the court finds the sureties or any thereof to be insufficient,  the injunction,  attachment or garnishment shall be dissolved,  unless the plaintiff shall within five days file a proper and sufficient bond and it is approved by the court or judge.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-101 - Definitions

8-101.
Definitions
In this article,  unless the context otherwise requires:
1. " Adult"  means a person eighteen years of age or older.
2. " Agency"  or " adoption agency"  means a person other than the division licensed by the division to place children for adoption,  including an attorney or law firm.
3. " Agency placement adoption"  means an adoption proceeding in which one or more of the requisite consents are given to an agency pursuant to section 8-107,  subsection D,  paragraph 1.
4. " Child"  means any person under eighteen years of age.
5. " Custody"  means a status embodying all of the following rights and responsibilities:
(a) The right to have the physical possession of the child.
(b) The right and the duty to protect,  train and discipline the child.
(c) The responsibility to provide the child with food,  shelter,  education and health care,  and the authority to consent to surgery or other extraordinary medical care in an emergency.
6. " Direct placement adoption"  means an adoption proceeding in which one or more of the requisite consents are given to a particular person pursuant to section 8-107,  subsection D,  paragraph 2.
7. " Division"  means the department of child safety.
8. " Juvenile court"  or " court"  means the juvenile division of the superior court.
9. " Permanent guardian"  means a legal guardian appointed by the court pursuant to section 8-871.
10. " Petitioner"  includes both petitioners under a joint petition.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-102 - Who may be adopted

8-102.
Who may be adopted
A. Except as provided in title 14,  chapter 8 and subsection B of this section,  only a child,  or a foreign-born person who is twenty-one years of age or less and who is not an illegal alien,  who is present within this state at the time the petition for adoption is filed may be adopted.
B. A dependent child is not required to be present in this state at the time the petition for adoption is filed if the criteria prescribed in section 8-103,  subsection B are met.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-103 - Who may adopt

8-103.
Who may adopt
A. Any adult resident of this state,  whether married,  unmarried or legally separated,  is eligible to qualify to adopt children. A husband and wife may jointly adopt children.
B. An adult nonresident of this state,  whether married,  unmarried or legally separated,  is eligible to qualify to adopt a child if all of the following apply:
1. The child is a dependent child and currently under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court in this state.
2. The child currently resides in the home of the applicant.
3. The department placed the child in the home of the applicant pursuant to section 8-548.
4. The department recommends the adoption of the child by the applicant.
5. The foster care review board has reviewed the child's case as required by section 8-515.03,  except that the court may not delay the child's adoption if the foster care review board has not reviewed the child's case.
C. Pursuant to rules adopted by the department,  the department or adoption agency shall place a child in an adoptive home that best meets the safety,  social,  emotional,  physical and mental health needs of the child. Other relevant factors for consideration,  in no order of preference,  shall include:
1. The marital status and the length and stability of the marital relationship of the prospective adoptive parents.
2. Placement with the child's siblings pursuant to section 8-862.
3. Established relationships between the child and the prospective adoptive family as described in section 8-862,  including placement with a grandparent or another member of the child's extended family,  including a person or foster parent who has a significant relationship with the child.
4. The prospective adoptive family's ability to meet the child's safety,  social,  emotional,  physical and mental health needs and the ability to financially provide for the child.
5. The wishes of the child who is twelve years of age or older.
6. The wishes of the child's birth parents unless the rights of the parent have been terminated or the court has established a case plan of severance and adoption.
7. The availability of relatives,  the child's current or former foster parents or other significant persons to provide support to the prospective adoptive family and child.
D. If all relevant factors are equal and the choice is between a married man and woman certified to adopt and a single adult certified to adopt,  placement preference shall be with a married man and woman.
E. In each adoption proceeding,  the court shall make findings on the record regarding the best interests of the child pursuant to law.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-105.01 - Adoption; racial preferences; prohibition; exception

8-105.01.
Adoption;  racial preferences;  prohibition;  exception
A. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary,  the division,  an agency or the court shall not deny or delay a placement or an adoption certification based on the race,  the color or the national origin of the adoptive parent or the child.
B. This section does not apply to the placement or adoption of children pursuant to the Indian child welfare act (25 United States Code section 1901).
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-105.03 - Adoption information from local community organizations

8-105.03.
Adoption information from local community organizations
The division shall establish and administer a child placement program that uses community organizations to inform communities about the adoption process and the need for adoptive homes. For purposes of this section,  religiously affiliated organizations may qualify as community organizations provided that no state funding may be used for religious purposes.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-107 - Time and contents of consent

8-107.
Time and contents of consent
A. All consents to adoption shall be in writing and signed by the person giving the consent and witnessed by two or more credible witnesses who are at least eighteen years of age and who subscribe their names in the presence of the person giving the consent or shall be acknowledged by the person giving consent before a notary public.
B. A consent given before seventy-two hours after the birth of the child is invalid.
C. The consent shall be dated,  shall sufficiently identify and give the addresses of the party giving the consent and the name and address of the witness or witnesses and shall sufficiently identify the child to whose adoption the consent is given.
D. The consent shall designate either of the following:
1. An agency or the division as authorized by the party giving the consent to place the child for adoption.
2. The particular person or persons authorized to adopt the child by the person giving the consent.
E. The true names of the adopting person or persons shall be used,  except that fictitious names may be used if the consent also truthfully states that the adopting person or persons are currently certified as acceptable to adopt the child,  that the consenting party knows that the names used are fictitious and does not wish to know the true names and that the consenting party has been furnished with all information which the consenting party wishes to know about the adopting person or persons.
F. The consent shall contain a statement which includes the following:
1. The consequences of the consent pursuant to section 8-117.
2. The irrevocability of the consent pursuant to section 8-106.
3. The prohibition of any direct or indirect compensation for the consent except as provided in section 8-114.
G. A consent other than to any agency or the division which does not designate a particular person or persons,  or which purports to permit a third person to locate or nominate an adoptive parent,  is invalid.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-108 - Petition for child's custody by noncertified party; hearing; exceptions

8-108.
Petition for child's custody by noncertified party;  hearing;  exceptions
A. A person who is not currently certified as acceptable to adopt but who has custody of a child who the person intends to adopt shall petition the court for an order permitting that person to keep custody of the child pending certification. The person shall file the petition not later than five days after the person obtains custody of the child. The court shall hold a hearing within ten days after the person files the petition. The child shall attend the hearing,  except for good cause shown. At the hearing the burden of proof is on the petitioner to show that permitting custody is in the child's best interests. The court may permit the petitioner to have custody or it may order that custody be given to some other person or agency as it deems to be in the child's best interests. If the court permits the person to continue to have custody of the child,  the court shall order the investigation for preadoption certification and report as required by section 8-105 to continue. If an application for certification has not been filed before the hearing,  the court shall order that an application for certification be filed within thirty days after the hearing date.
B. If a petition is not filed by the person intending to adopt a child,  the division,  an agency or any other interested person may petition the court for such a hearing. On the filing of a petition the court shall set the matter for hearing and issue its order to the person having custody of the child to appear before it to show cause why custody should not be denied. The hearing shall then be held and the court's order made as provided in subsection A of this section.
C. A custody petition or hearing is not required in any of the following cases:
1. If the person who intends to adopt the child is the spouse of a birth parent of the child.
2. If the person who intends to adopt the child or one of these persons is an uncle,  aunt,  adult sibling,  grandparent,  or great-grandparent of the child of the whole or half-blood or by marriage.
3. If the person who intends to adopt the child is currently certified as acceptable to adopt the child.
4. If custody of the child has been given or is to be given to an agency or to the division or to a licensed or certified foster home.
5. If the person who intends to adopt the child is currently the court appointed guardian of the child.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-109 - Petition to adopt; contents

8-109.
Petition to adopt;  contents
A. The potential adoptive parent or parents,  an agency or the division may file a petition to adopt. The petition shall specify:
1. The full name,  age and place of residence of the prospective adoptive parent and,  if married,  the date and place of marriage and the relationship if any to the child.
2. That a certificate of acceptability to adopt has been issued in favor of the prospective adoptive parent and the date of its issuance or the reason preadoption certification is not required.
3. The date when the prospective adoptive parent acquired custody of the child and from what person or agency,  or,  if not in custody,  the present custodial circumstances.
4. The date and place of birth of the child.
5. The name of the child or the fictitious name to be used in the proceedings and,  if a change of name is desired,  the name.
6. That it is the desire of the prospective adoptive parent to adopt the child.
7. A full description and statement of the value of all property owned or possessed by the child.
8. If the child being adopted is a ward of the court,  that written consent to adopt has been given by the division or the agency that has been given custody of the ward or any reason that consent need not be given. Pursuant to section 8-106,  subsection A,  paragraph 7,  the court may waive this requirement as it relates to the division.
9. Full disclosure of any fees or anything of value given or paid to any person or organization in connection with the adoption of the child.
B. Any written consent required by this article may be attached to the petition or may be filed after the filing of the petition at or before the hearing.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-110 - Fictitious name for child

8-110.
Fictitious name for child
A. The court may order,  upon request of any interested party,  that the child to be adopted shall be referred to by a fictitious name in all proceedings before the court,  if such would be in the best interest of the child.
B. If the court,  by order,  authorizes the use of a fictitious name,  the real name of the child shall be kept in a sealed envelope in the court file and shall not be opened except on order of the court after good cause has been shown.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-111 - Notice of hearing on petition to adopt; service

8-111.
Notice of hearing on petition to adopt;  service
After a petition to adopt has been filed,  the clerk of the superior court shall set a time and place for a hearing by the court. Notice shall be as provided for the service of process in civil actions to:
1. The petitioner.
2. The agency,  if any.
3. The person or agency conducting the social study required by section 8-112.
4. Any person or agency required to give consent by section 8-106 unless consent with a waiver of notice of hearing has been filed before the hearing.
5. Any person who has initiated a paternity action pursuant to title 25,  chapter 6,  article 1.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-115 - Hearing; procedure; record; evidence

8-115.
Hearing;  procedure;  record;  evidence
A. The court shall hold a hearing on a petition filed pursuant to this article in as informal a manner as the requirements of due process and fairness permit. The prospective adoptive parent,  the spouse of a prospective adoptive parent and the child to be adopted shall attend unless the court orders otherwise. The court shall allow persons who have a direct interest in the case,  including invited guests of the adoptive family,  to attend the hearing. The attendees shall not disclose the content of testimony provided at the hearing. Nothing in this subsection restricts the ability for the juvenile court or clerk of the court to communicate relevant case information with the family court or clerk of the court. The court may require the presence of other witnesses as it deems necessary.
B. The court shall make its findings based on a preponderance of the evidence. The court may consider any and all reports required by this article or ordered by the court pursuant to this article.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-116 - Court order; contents; form

8-116.
Court order;  contents;  form
A. If,  after the hearing and consideration of all the evidence,  the court is satisfied that the requirements of this article have been met and that the adoption is in the best interests of the child,  the court shall order the adoption. The order may change the name of the child to the name requested by the adoptive parent or parents in the petition to adopt. If the child being adopted is twelve years of age or older,  the court shall consider the wishes of the child with respect to the name change. The written order of the court shall include the findings of fact on which it based its order,  including the court's jurisdiction and the date and place of birth of the child being adopted based on the best available evidence.
B. If the exact place of birth is unknown,  the order shall include the information that is known and designate a place of birth according to the best information known as to the country of origin.
C. If the exact date of birth is unknown,  the order shall establish a date of birth based on the medical evidence as to the probable age of the child and other evidence the court considers appropriate.
D. The order is conclusive and binding on all persons from the date of its entry subject to appeal as provided in section 8-235.
E. The court shall provide the adoptive parent or parents with written notice of the sibling information exchange program established pursuant to section 8-543.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-116.01 - Agreements regarding communications

8-116.01.
Agreements regarding communications
A. The parties to a proceeding under this chapter may enter into an agreement regarding communication with a child adoptee,  the adoptive parents and a birth parent.
B. An agreement is not enforceable unless the agreement is in writing and is approved by the court. The court shall not approve an agreement unless the agreement is approved by the prospective adoptive parents,  any birth parent with whom the agreement is being made and,  if the child is in the custody of the division or an agency,  a representative of the division or agency.
C. An agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall state that the adoptive parent may terminate contact between the birth parent and the adoptive child at any time if the adoptive parent believes that this contact is not in the child's best interests.
D. The court shall not approve the agreement unless the court finds that the communication between the child adoptee,  the adoptive parents and a birth parent is in the child's best interests. The court may consider the wishes of a child who is at least twelve years of age.
E. An agreement entered into pursuant to this section is enforceable even if it does not disclose the identity of the parties to the agreement.
F. Failure to comply with an agreement that has been approved pursuant to this section is not grounds for setting aside an adoption decree or for revocation of a written consent to an adoption decree or relinquishment of parental rights.
G. The court retains jurisdiction after the decree of adoption is entered to hear motions brought to enforce or modify an order entered pursuant to this section. Before filing a motion,  the party seeking to enforce or modify an order shall make a good faith attempt to mediate the dispute. The court shall not enforce or modify an order unless the party filing the motion has made a good faith attempt to mediate the dispute.
H. The court may order a modification of an agreement approved pursuant to this section if it finds that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child adoptee and one of the following is true:
1. The modification is agreed to by the adoptive parents.
2. Exceptional circumstances have arisen since the agreement was approved that justify modification of the agreement.
I. The court may consider the wishes of a child who is at least twelve years of age in determining whether to order a modification pursuant to subsection H.
J. Every agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall contain a clause stating that the parties agree to the continuing jurisdiction of the court to enforce and modify the agreement and that they understand that failure to comply with an agreement approved pursuant to this section is not grounds for setting aside an adoption decree or for revocation of a written consent to an adoption decree or relinquishment of parental rights.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-117 - Rights under adoption order

8-117.
Rights under adoption order
A. On entry of the decree of adoption,  the relationship of parent and child and all the legal rights,  privileges,  duties,  obligations and other legal consequences of the natural relationship of child and parent thereafter exist between the adopted child and the adoptive parent as though the child were born to the adoptive parent in lawful wedlock. The adopted child is entitled to inherit real and personal property from and through the adoptive parent and the adoptive parent is entitled to inherit real and personal property from and through the adopted child the same as though the child were born to the adoptive parent in lawful wedlock.
B. On entry of the decree of adoption,  the relationship of parent and child between the adopted child and the persons who were the child's parents before entry of the decree of adoption is completely severed and all the legal rights,  privileges,  duties,  obligations and other legal consequences of the relationship cease to exist,  including the right of inheritance. This subsection does not apply to communication rights established pursuant to section 8-116.01.
C. If the adoption is by the spouse of the child's parent,  the relationship of the child to that parent remains unchanged by the decree of adoption.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-118 - Petition withdrawal or denial; custody

8-118.
Petition withdrawal or denial;  custody
In any case in which the petition is withdrawn or denied the court shall order the removal of the child from the proposed adoptive home if the court finds that such removal is in the child's best interest. If such removal is ordered,  the court shall vest temporary legal custody in an agency with power to remove the child and to plan for the child's welfare. The court shall fix responsibility for temporary child support. The court may make such other orders as it deems necessary to protect and further the best interests of the child.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-120 - Records; inspection; exception; destruction or transfer of certain records

8-120.
Records;  inspection;  exception;  destruction or transfer of certain records
A. Except as provided in section 8-129,  all files,  records,  reports and other papers compiled under this article,  whether filed in or in possession of the court,  an agency or any person or association,  shall be withheld from public inspection.
B. Such files,  records,  reports and other papers may be open to inspection by persons and agencies having a legitimate interest in the case and their attorneys and by other persons and agencies having a legitimate interest in the protection,  welfare or treatment of the child if so ordered by the court.
C. This section does not prohibit persons employed by the court,  the division or an agency from conducting the investigations or performing other duties pursuant to this article within the normal course of their employment.
D. This section does not prohibit persons employed by the court,  the division,  an attorney participating or assisting in a direct placement adoption pursuant to section 8-130 or an agency from providing partial or complete identifying information between a birth parent and adoptive parent when the parties mutually agree to share specific identifying information and make a written request to the court,  the division or the agency.
E. Except for files that belong to an attorney,  all files,  records,  reports and other papers not filed in or in the possession of the court shall not be destroyed until after a ninety-nine year period. The files that belong to an attorney shall not be destroyed until after a seven-year period.
F. If an adoption agency ceases operations,  the adoption agency shall do all of the following:
1. Transfer the documents described in subsection A of this section to the division or to another adoption agency in this state if the documents concern a matter that is closed.
2. Transfer the documents described in subsection A of this section to another adoption agency in this state if the documents concern a matter that is open.
3. Notify the division of the transfer of any documents to another adoption agency in this state pursuant to this subsection.
4. Notify all adoptive parents whose files it is transferring pursuant to this subsection of the transfer.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-122 - Financial hardship; deferral, waiver or reduction of fees

8-122.
Financial hardship;  deferral,  waiver or reduction of fees
The court,  an agency or the division may voluntarily defer,  waive or reduce any fee if payment of the fee would cause a hardship to the adoptive parent or would be detrimental to the welfare of the adoptive child.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-123 - Irregularities; curative period

8-123.
Irregularities;  curative period
After one year from the date the adoption decree is entered,  any irregularity in the proceeding shall be deemed cured and the validity of the decree shall not thereafter be subject to attack on any such ground in any collateral or direct proceeding.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-126 - Licensure and regulation of agencies

8-126.
Licensure and regulation of agencies
The division shall:
1. License agencies on an annual basis subject to renewal. Before issuing a license,  the division shall investigate the activities of the agency,  its financial stability,  the character and training of its personnel and the adequacy of the agency's intended services to ensure the welfare of parents and children using the services of the agency. If the agency meets the standards established by the division,  a license shall be issued.
2. Provide for oversight of agencies.
3. Assist the staffs of all agencies by giving advice on methods and procedures.
4. Establish rules for:
(a) Licensing agencies,  including professional licensing,  and suspending,  revoking and denying licenses.
(b) Annual renewal of agency licenses.
(c) The form and content of investigations,  reports and studies concerning adoption placements.
(d) Reasonable fees chargeable by the division to agencies for licensure and renewal of licenses.
(e) Reasonable and authorized fees chargeable to any person for services in connection with an adoption and payments,  disbursements or commitments of anything of value made or agreed to be made to or for the benefit of a birth parent by any person in connection with an adoption.
(f) Conducting reviews and making reports pursuant to section 8-114,  subsection E.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-127 - Services of county attorney; exception

8-127.
Services of county attorney;  exception
A. The county attorney of the county in which the prospective adoptive parent resides or,  if applicable,  the county where the child is a ward of the court,  on application of the person or persons seeking adoption,  shall prepare the adoption petition and act as attorney without expense to the prospective adoptive parent. The county attorney may also prepare a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship pursuant to chapter 4,  article 5 of this title and act as attorney without expense to the prospective adoptive parent. If an adoption is made through an adoption agency licensed pursuant to this title,  the agency shall prepare the petition for adoption and shall submit it to the county attorney. If either petition is contested the county attorney,  with the consent of the court,  may withdraw from further representation of any party to the proceeding and the prospective adoptive parent shall employ counsel.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section,  the county attorney:
1. Shall not prepare a petition or act as the attorney for a prospective adoptive parent seeking adoption pursuant to title 14,  chapter 8.
2. Is not required to act as an attorney for the prospective adoptive parent concerning the enforcement or modification of an agreement entered into pursuant to section 8-116.01.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-129 - Health and genetic history; compilation; availability; costs

8-129.
Health and genetic history;  compilation;  availability;  costs
A. Before placing a child for adoption,  the division or the agency or the person placing the child,  if the child is not placed by the division,  shall compile and provide to the prospective adoptive parents detailed written nonidentifying information,  including a health and genetic history and all nonidentifying information about the birth parents or members of a birth parent's family set forth in a document that is separate from any document containing identifying information. This subsection does not apply if the birth parents are deceased,  their whereabouts are unknown or the information is not otherwise reasonably available.
B. Records containing the information prescribed in subsection A of this section:
1. Shall be retained by the division,  agency or person placing the child for ninety-nine years,  and if an agency or person ceases to function,  the agency or person shall transfer these records to the division,  except that an agency ceasing operations may transfer these records to another agency within this state,  provided the agency transferring the records gives notice of the transfer to the division.
2. May be supplemented with information supplied by any member of the birth family,  any member of the adoptive family,  an adult adoptee or the family of an adult adoptee. Supplemental information supplied to the division or the agency or the person who placed the child shall be filed with all other information concerning the adoption. The division,  agency or person placing the child shall notify the adoptee,  if the adoptee is at least eighteen years of age,  or the adoptive parents,  if the adoptee is under eighteen years of age,  of the receipt of any supplemental information from a member of the birth family.
3. Shall be available on request throughout the ninety-nine year period,  together with any other information described in subsection A of this section which is added,  to the following persons only:
(a) The adoptive parents of the child or,  if the adoptive parents have died,  the child's guardian.
(b) The adoptee if the adoptee is eighteen years of age or more,  including a qualified young adult who was previously adopted and who is participating in a program described in section 8-521,  8-521.01 or 8-521.02.
(c) If the adoptee has died,  the adoptee's spouse if the spouse is the legal parent of the adoptee's child or the guardian of any child of the adoptee.
(d) If the adoptee has died,  any progeny of the adoptee who is eighteen years of age or more.
(e) The birth parent of the adoptee or other biological children of the birth parent.
C. The actual and reasonable cost of providing information pursuant to this section shall be paid by the person requesting the information.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-130 - Consent to licensed agency or division; attorneys; affidavits

8-130.
Consent to licensed agency or division;  attorneys;  affidavits
A. A consent to adoption of a child shall not be granted to an agency unless the agency is licensed to place children for adoption under this article. A consent may be granted to the division,  which is exempt from licensure. An agency or the division may conduct both agency placement adoptions and direct placement adoptions. An agency placement adoption shall only be made by an agency or the division.
B. Except as provided in subsection C,  a person shall not do any of the following unless the person is employed or engaged by and acting on behalf of a licensed adoption agency:
1. Solicit or accept employment or engagement,  for compensation,  by or on behalf of a parent or guardian for assistance in the placement of a child for adoption.
2. Solicit or accept employment or engagement,  for compensation,  by or on behalf of any person to locate or obtain a child for adoption.
C. An attorney licensed to practice law in this state may assist and participate in direct placement adoptions and may receive compensation to the extent the court finds reasonable under section 8-114 if the person granting consent to the adoption has made a choice of the specific adopting parent without prior involvement of the attorney or if the choice is made only from among persons currently certified by the court as acceptable to adopt children pursuant to section 8-105.
D. Before a petition to adopt is granted and as a condition of the entry of an order of adoption:
1. An attorney participating or assisting in a direct placement adoption shall file with the court an affidavit confirming that there has been,  to the best of his knowledge and belief,  compliance with subsection B of this section and with section 8-114,  subsection B,  section 8-129 and,  if fictitious names have been used,  section 8-107,  subsection E.
2. An attorney representing petitioners in an agency placement adoption and the agency shall file with the court an affidavit confirming that there has been,  to the best of the petitioner's,  agency's and attorney's knowledge and belief,  compliance with subsections A and B of this section and sections 8-114 and 8-129.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-133 - Fees for division services

8-133.
Fees for division services
A. The division may charge fees for studying and certifying adoption applicants and for providing placement supervision services to cover the costs of providing these services.
B. If an investigation is conducted by an officer of the court,  the court may charge a reasonable fee,  prescribed by the presiding judge of the juvenile court,  to cover the costs of investigation in preadoption investigations pursuant to section 8-105,  investigations conducted pursuant to section 8-872 to determine whether permanent guardianship,  as an alternative to adoption,  is in the best interests of the child,  or investigations conducted in a review of permanent guardianship pursuant to section 8-872. The court may waive,  reduce or defer this fee if the fee would cause a hardship.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-135 - Confidential intermediary and fiduciary fund

8-135.
Confidential intermediary and fiduciary fund
A. The confidential intermediary and fiduciary fund is established consisting of the monies received pursuant to section 12-284.03,  subsection A,  paragraph 8,  section 14-5651,  subsection A,  section 36-341,  subsection B and section 41-178,  legislative appropriations,  donations,  fees,  grants and contracts to implement the confidential intermediary program established by section 8-134 and the sibling information exchange program established pursuant to section 8-543 and to perform the duties related to fiduciaries pursuant to section 14-5651. The supreme court shall administer the fund subject to legislative appropriation. On notice from the supreme court,  the state treasurer shall invest and divest monies in the fund as provided by section 35-313,  and monies earned from investment shall be credited to the fund. The fund is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190 relating to lapsing of appropriations.
B. The appropriated funds shall only be used for the designated purposes specified in statute.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-136 - Prospective adoptive parent's blindness; certification; grant of adoption; burden of proof; specific written findings; definitions

8-136.
Prospective adoptive parent's blindness;  certification;  grant of adoption;  burden of proof;  specific written findings;  definitions
A. A court may not refuse to do either of the following:
1. Certify a prospective adoptive parent as acceptable to adopt children based on the prospective adoptive parent's blindness,  if the prospective adoptive parent is otherwise acceptable to adopt children.
2. Grant an adoption to a potential adoptive parent based on the prospective adoptive parent's blindness,  if the adoption is determined to be otherwise in the best interests of the child.
B. If a prospective adoptive parent's blindness is alleged to have a detrimental impact on a child,  the party who raises the allegation has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the prospective adoptive parent's behavior endangers or is likely to endanger the health,  safety or welfare of the child.
C. If the court denies or limits the grant of the adoption to the prospective adoptive parent,  the court shall make specific written findings that state the basis of the denial or limitation.
D. For the purposes of this section:
1. " Blindness"  means having either of the following:
(a) A central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens.
(b) A degenerative condition that reasonably can be expected to result in a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens.
2. " Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less"  includes having a limitation in the field of vision so that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of not more than twenty degrees.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-142 - Adoption subsidy program; funding; claims; limitation

8-142.
Adoption subsidy program;  funding;  claims;  limitation
A. The department shall establish and administer an ongoing program of subsidized adoption. Adoption subsidies shall be provided from monies appropriated to the department or made available to it from other sources.
B. The department shall not pay claims for a special services subsidy that are submitted more than nine months after the date of the service for which payment is claimed except as authorized by rules of the department.
C. The department shall not consider an applicant for a state adoption subsidy until the applicant has applied for all existing federal eligibility categories under the title IV-E program.
D. The total amount that may be expended in any fiscal year by the department for the adoption subsidy program shall not exceed the amount appropriated in the general appropriations act for the program and any monies granted by the federal government,  together with additional amounts appropriated for the program by any special legislative appropriation. Transfers of monies between and among classes and programs shall continue to be permitted in accordance with the provisions of section 35-173.
2023 Arizona Revised Statutes › Title 8 - Child Safety › § 8-143 - Eligibility for subsidies; rate

8-143.
Eligibility for subsidies;  rate
A. The following persons may apply to the department to have the adoption of a child subsidized:
1. Foster parents who are interested in adopting a child in their home.
2. Permanent guardians who are appointed for a child pursuant to chapter 4,  article 12 of this title.
3. Other persons who are interested in adopting a child under public or private agency care,  whether the adoption is through a public or private agency.
B. All persons approved for the program as adoptive parents shall meet adoption agency standards except for the financial ability to support the child. A subsidy shall not be denied solely on the grounds that the child is placed for adoption through a private agency.
C. The child who the permanent guardian seeks to adopt shall be eligible for the adoption subsidy at the permanent guardianship subsidy rate established by the department.