AZ SB1297

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 8-103 to change terminology from "husband and wife" to "married couple" for jointly adopting children.

Removes the provision that gave placement preference to married couples over single adults when all other relevant factors are equal.

Requires the department or adoption agency to place children in adoptive homes based on the child's safety, social, emotional, physical and mental health needs, with seven relevant factors to consider in no specific order of preference.

Relevant placement factors include marital status and stability of the relationship, sibling placement, established relationships with extended family, ability to meet the child's needs, child's wishes (if age 12+), birth parents' wishes, and availability of support systems.

Maintains requirement that courts make findings on the record regarding the best interests of the child in all adoption proceedings.