Saying children do better in a home with a mother and a father, the state House voted Monday to give married couples preference when placing children for adoption.

HB2148 would overrule the existing practice of the Department of Economic Security that makes the "best interests of the child" the primary factor when considering placing a child for adoption. Instead it would require DES - or any agency that contracts with the state - to give "primary consideration to placement with a married couple."

DES could consider a single person "only if a qualified married couple is not available."

The measure is being pushed by Rep. Warde Nichols, R-Gilbert. He said married couples should be "moved to the head of the line" for adoption if they've gone through the certification process.

And Nichols, himself adopted, said his legislation is in line with what the law already requires. ...

Nichols said he agrees [that the best interests of the child sometimes favors a single person over a married couple]. And he said his legislation accounts for that.

For example, DES can favor a single person who is a relative of the child. A placement can also go to a single parent if the alternative is extended foster care.

It also permits DES to put a single person ahead of a married couple if a "meaningful and healthy relationship" already has been established between the prospective parent and the child.

And it allows placement with a single parent if that is "in the child's best interests."

Labels: adoption, Arizona, Marriage, single parenting

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