Some of the steps and requirements for New Mexico residents include:

• Attend your local adoptive parent orientation program
• Fill out the application completely, and provide personal references
• Schedule time with your placement social worker to get your fingerprints taken for a background check
• Attend 27 hours of required adoptive parenting classes
• Have your placement social worker come to your house to do a home study which will include interviews with everyone living in your household
• Please note that you must be over the age of 21 with a home, mobile home or apartment which has adequate space for an adopted child or children
• Have a medical exam by your own physician to ensure that you are healthy
• Other documents may be required

Inquiries may be made through foster/adoption hotline at 1-800-432-2075, or email your regional recruiter.

Your assigned placement social worker will move you through the described steps over an approximately five-month period of preparation.

Some of the steps and requirements for out-of-New Mexico residents include:

• Make an inquiry through our foster/adoption hotline at 1-800-432-2075.
• A current home study is required for out-of-state adoptions. Forward a copy of your current home study to: Children, Youth and Families Department, Protective Services Division, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502-5160 Attn: Central Adoptions Unit
• If you do not have a current home study we can refer you to an agency in your state who can complete a home study for your family.
• If you are inquiring about a specific child we will provide you with a name and phone number of the adoption consultant for updated information on the child.
• To verify that we have received your home study you may call toll-free at 1-800-432-2075, or you may call (phone charges) at 505-827-8456.