ARIZONA SUPREME COURT
CONFIDENTIAL INTERMEDIARY PROGRAM

Mission:
To train and certify confidential intermediaries to facilitate contact between adoptive parents, adopted individuals, and birth parents while protecting court and agency records and anonymity of those who desire it.  The program will also monitor and discipline confidential intermediaries, as needed, to protect the public. 

1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 104
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

602-452-3957
TDD: 602-452-3545
cip@courts.az.gov
Confidential Intermediary Program

Source: Arizona Supreme Court

For adoptions finalized in Arizona and pursuant to A.R.S. § 8-134 , any of the following persons may use the services of a CI:
  • Adoptive parents of an adoptee who is at least 18 years of age, or if the adoptive parents are deceased, the adoptee’s guardian
  • An adoptee who is at least 18 years of age.
  • If any adoptee is deceased, the adoptee’s spouse if the spouse is the legal parent or guardian of any child of the adoptee.
  • If any adoptee is deceased, any progeny of the adoptee who is at least 18 years of age.
  • Either of the birth parents of an adoptee. If the birth parent of an adoptee is deceased, the parent of the birth parent.
  • A biological sibling of an adoptee if the sibling is at least 18 years of age.
  • A CI cannot contact persons under 21 years of age without a court order.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 8-543 , any of the following persons may participate in Sibling Information Exchange (SIX) using the services of a CI:
  • An adult who is a former dependent child.
  • A juvenile who is a former dependent child, through any of the following:
    1. The juvenile’s adoptive parent.
    2. The juvenile’s guardian
    3. The juvenile’s biological parent if that person has legal custody of the child and is not a party to a pending dependency proceeding.
An Arizona Confidential Intermediary (CI) is certified by the Arizona Supreme Court to act on behalf of the adoption triad (adoptee, birth parents, or adoptive parents) to conduct a professional post adoption search in accordance with the Arizona Revised Statutes. A licensed CI is authorized by law to inspect court sealed confidential relinquishment and adoption records, obtain consent from both parties of the search to release identifying information, and to facilitate a reunion.

When working with a licensed CI you can expect Confidentiality: Written consent from both parties is required for the sharing of identifying and non-identifying information; all information obtained during the course of the search is kept strictly confidential and shall be utilized only for the purpose of arranging contact between the individual who initiated the search and the sought-after biological relative. Sensitivity & Professionalism: CIs are trained to handle sensitive situations in a discreet and objective manner; Resources: CIs may inspect the confidential court, division agency and maternity home records that are not otherwise available to the public, including sealed adoption records.
The cost of each post adoption search varies as each search has its own unique set of challenges and factors. Confidential Intermediaries fees are set by the Arizona Supreme Court pursuant to A.R.S. § 8-134(I) and A.R.S. § 8-543 ; and a Confidential Intermediary may not charge clients an amount that exceeds the relevant fees listed in ACJA §7-203(M) for post adoption search services.

With all cases, it is my mission to keep my fees affordable to anyone searching for a member of their adoption triad. In addition, I offer a free initial phone consultation and we can discuss the anticipated costs of your search at that time.