"How do I give my baby up for adoption in Arizona?"- Learn More

Maria R.

Domestic Birth Mother Adoption Case Manager

My name is Maria Rubalcaba and I have been in the Social Work Field since 2016. I have an Associates of Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelors of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Children and Families degrees. I am a mother of 2 and a wife! I am from Southern California. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, hiking, crafting, going to the movies, dancing and spending quality time with the family.

Birth Mother Rights

You have the right to not be coerced by any person into relinquishing a child for adoption.
You have the right to receive professional and competent assistance and to be treated with dignity.
You have the right to receive services from the agency without discrimination on the basis of age, sex, religion, ethnic background, cultural heritage, national origin, marital status, sexual preference, or special needs.
You have the right to participate in the development of a service plan designed to meet your needs and the needs of your child. You have the right to receive a copy of this plan.
You have the right to receive a written policy from the agency outlining your responsibilities.
You have the right to receive copies of all agency documents that you may be requested to sign.
You have the right to be informed of the legal consequences of a voluntary surrender or an involuntary termination of parental rights.
You have the right to receive information about the different types of adoption.
You have the right to information regarding the agency’s criteria for selecting adoptive parents.
You have the right to receive a description of the adoptive parent(s) and to assess their ability to meet your child’s needs.
You have the right to request that your child be placed with a family that observes a particular religion.
You have the right to be advised of the nature and extent of the expenses which adoptive parents are legally permitted to pay on behalf of birth parents. You also have the right to be advised of alternative sources available for payment of such expenses.
You have the right to be advised of the agency’s policy regarding contacting birth parents in the event of a disrupted adoption.
You have the right to be informed of the legal process that children may use to locate their birth parents and that birth parents may use to locate their children. This includes a description of the information available to children, adoptive parents, and birth parents under Arizona law.
You have the right to certain services after placing your child for adoption. The agency will either directly offer these follow-up services or refer you to other providers.
You have the right to general information regarding current adoption issues, practices, and laws.
You have the right to know that the agency cannot enforce any private agreements between birth parents and adoptive parents.
You have the right and responsibility to update the information in your agency case record at any time by sending a written update statement to the agency.
You have the right to have your agency case record maintained in accordance with the confidentiality requirements of applicable Arizona and federal law.
You have the right not to be the subject of agency activities without your written consent including research, fundraising, or publicity by the agency.
If you have a grievance, you have the right to participate in a grievance procedure in accordance with the agency’s written policy. You also have the right to pursue legal action on your own.

Our Services

Building Arizona Families believes in the beautiful choice of adoption. We understand that it is your right to choose.

If parenting is your choice, we celebrate you and your decision to parent.

If adoption is your choice, in addition to counseling both before and after birth, we can assist you in providing the following:

Counseling regarding your rights
Assistance with selecting and getting to know the potential adoptive family
Assistance with choosing the type of adoption, including contact with the adoptive family and child after birth
Communication with the biological father
Assistance with creating a hospital plan
AHCCCS (Medical Insurance- if you qualify)
Medical Insurance
Hospital support
Assistance with Community Resources
- WIC
- EBT
- Food Boxes
If you qualify for assistance with living expenses, we may be able to assist you with the following:
- Rent
- Electricity
- Food
- Cell Phone
- Maternity Clothing
- Bus Pass

Is Adoption Right For Me?

Download printable checklist

What are my financial resources? What is my level of income?
What are my emotional resources? Who will support me during this pregnancy?
Who will emotionally support me if I parent my child?
Where would I live if I choose to parent my child? Do I have room in my home if I choose to parent my child?
What income level will I need to pay for rent, formula, diapers, day care, and baby supplies? (It’s smart for the individual to actually do an estimated budget. It’s also helpful to talk to a friend or family member who is parenting a child to get an estimate on the average monthly cost of formula, diapers, clothing and health care.)
Who can help me financially? Parents, spouse, partner, government assistance?
What are my long term goals for my self?
How does this pregnancy affect those goals?
How does parenting a child affect those goals?
What are my goals for this child?
What is my concept of being a good parent to child?
What options have I considered?
What are the immediate consequences of those options?
What are the long term consequences of those options?
What are the potential gains for myself if I choose adoption?
What are the potential losses for myself if I choose adoption?
What are the potential gains for others if I choose adoption?
How will I approve of myself if I make an adoption plan?
How will I disapprove of myself if I make an adoption plan?
How will others approve or disapprove of me if I make an adoption plan?
How much will I consider the opinion of others in making this decision?

Main Office

Call or Text
623.695.4112

Toll-Free
800.340.9665

Email
Message

8433 N Black Canyon Hwy
Building 6, Suite 152
Phoenix, AZ 85021

Birth Mother Testimonials

“I was so conflicted, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do a open, semi-open or closed adoption. Thanks to the counseling that Building Arizona Families provided I was able to find out the difference, my rights and that helped me ultimately choose what was best for me and my baby.” – Andrea

“Building Arizona Families is an amazing adoption agency. I wasn’t sure about my decision to place my child for adoption at first and was struggling with whether I was making the right decision for my unborn child. My anxiety was put to ease when my case manager Lindsay walked Kenny (my boyfriend) and I through the process and helped me with my emotions. Lindsay has been a good support system for me. I got to choose an adoptive family with no rush. I was no longer homeless and had some kind of financial support. I was able to meet Kelly the director of the agency right away, as well as other employees (Heather, Jessica, and Celine) who have helped to make my experience better. I walked into the agency a mess, but I know I will leave with confidence and success in bettering my life. Thank you to everyone at Building Arizona Families.” – Clarivel

“Everyone from the receptionist to the founder of the company, Kelly, is so nice and kind, and it’s a genuine kindness. They really care about your well-being as well as your baby’s well-being. Even the birth father if he is in the picture. I had the best case manager that I have ever worked with. Lindsay is kind, honest, hardworking, and loyal. She is a problem solver. If she didn’t know something or wasn’t sure how to go about a situation, she was going to figure it out. You don’t see people like her often enough in this tough world we live in.

I was able to pick my adoptive family. The couple I picked wanted an open adoption just like I did. They have been together for 20 years and they live in Kentucky. Both ladies have great jobs and they live in a small town surrounded by family. They were a perfect fit for Seth and I. That is what they named him. I got to Skype or call them twice a week, so I could really get to know them. You are not going to find a more caring, kind, and honest adoption agency.

I urge you if you are thinking about placing your little one up for adoption – the hardest, most selfless action you will ever make – use Building Arizona Families. The end result is this: My child has a wonderful family that can provide for him. I am off drugs and in my own apartment and working. I am now taking care of my 19 year old son instead of him taking care of me and I am looking forward to going back to school. Building Arizona Families was the catalyst to make all those things happen.” – Roberta

The Adoption Process

Building Arizona Families is a non-profit, licensed adoption agency dedicated to providing the services families need to complete the adoption process.

We offer birth mothers the unique opportunity to select the couple that will be their child’s “forever family”. These adoptive families have completed background checks with the FBI, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Child Protective Services. Therefore, you can feel at ease knowing that all aspects of the adoptive family’s life have been reviewed by the court and they have been approved to adopt a child.

Once a match is made, you can meet the family, get to know them, and feel comfortable with the choice you have made.

Adoptive family and birth parent interactions prior to delivery can include (but are not limited to):

• Meeting for dinner at a local restaurant
• Talking on the phone about the pregnancy
• Attending doctor’s appointments/ultrasounds together
• Swapping photos, histories, family stories with each other
• Sharing the birth experience (either during labor/delivery or immediately after)
• Staying together at the hospital, if desired
• Post-adoption letters, updates, and pictures

Each birth and adoptive family situation is unique and can be tailored to be the kind of experience that gives you, the birth parent, true peace of mind. You will have the ability to really know the people your child will call their family and they, in turn, will be able to tell your child about you and the loving decision you made.

Please Introduce Yourself

[caldera_form id=”CF57ee776305561″]

Kelly R.

President and Social Services Director

Kelly has a Masters Degree in School Counseling and a Liberal Science Degree in Family Studies and Human Development. Kelly has experience as a school counselor, social worker, mental health case worker, and is bilingual in Spanish. Above all, Kelly is the proud mother of seven children.

Angie P.

Vice President and Agency Employee Director

Angie has a Post Baccalaureate Elementary Education Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a concentration in writing. Angie has experience as a 2nd grade teacher and is the adoptive mother of three siblings from Russia.

Tye Y.

Social Worker

Tye earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from The College of St. Scholastica. She is the proud mother of 3 amazing children. She loves Christmas and could listen to Christmas music all year long. Tye enjoys spending her time outdoors and exploring new places.

Scott P.

Professional Standards Administrator

Scott is an Arizona native with 28 years of local law enforcement experience, retiring with the rank of Captain. He is a Grand Canyon University graduate of their Public Administration program and a training instructor in the fields of Ethics, Liability Issues, and Employee Safety. Scott is the proud adoptive father of three siblings from Russia.

Becky M.

Domestic Adoption Family Case Manager

Becky is married and the proud mother of two sons, both adopted at birth. She has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Psychology from Ottawa University. She has experience with children and families working as a director of children’s ministries.

Jennifer W.

Administrative Assistant

Jennifer is married and the proud mother of 3 children, two girls and one boy. Jennifer joined Building Arizona Families in February 2015. She enjoys crocheting, reading and spending time with her family and close friends.

Ixcel B.

Interstate Program Coordinator

Ixcel is a proud mother to 1 son. She has a Masters degree in Psychology. She is fluent in Spanish. She has experience working with children and families as an early childhood teacher, social worker, and match support specialist . She also has two years experience specifically in the foster care system training and licensing foster/adoptive families.

Lisa S.

Social Worker

Lisa is married and has three children and two granddaughters. She has lived in the valley her entire life and attended both the University of Arizona and ASU. Lisa graduated from ASU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Resources and Human Development. Lisa also just recently completed her Post-Baccalaureate in Education. Lisa has been working for Building Arizona Families for the last ten years. She really enjoys working with families to complete their homestudies and see their excitement and returning after their child is placed with them to see their hopes and dreams fulfilled.

Karly S.

Case Support Specialist

Karly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Intercultural Studies. She is married and the proud mother of two daughters, both adopted internationally. She and her husband are also licensed foster parents. Karly has experience as a social worker supporting children and families who are survivors of domestic violence, and families who are experiencing homelessness.

Robyn F.

Case Coordination Specialist

Robyn is the proud mother of 4 children and grew her family through adoption. She studied at the University of KY and GCU. She has a passion for helping families grow through adoption.

Lisa P.

International Program Coordinator

Lisa has been with BAF for ten years as a social worker and program coordinator for the international programs. She has adopted international four times and really enjoys building lasting relationship with each BAF family.

Sharon C.

Social Worker

Sharon was born and raised in Minnesota but has resided in Arizona since high school graduation. She have three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Sharon enjoys reading, the outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Sue S.

Bookkeeper

Sue a workaholic that loves what she does. She is a number cruncher and very detailed. Sue love life and enjoy helping others.

Alicia C.

Domestic Birth Parent Case Manager Assistant

Alicia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Salem State University. She is originally from Massachusetts and moved to Arizona in 2016. Alicia has experience working with the Massachusetts Child Welfare Agency and 3 years of experience working with families in fertility clinics. Alicia has 2 cats and enjoys yoga, crafting, and spending time outdoors.

Patrick C.

Social Worker

Patrick is the proud father of a son and two daughters. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice with a minor in Sociology. Patrick has been working with children and families for over 15 years. His experience encompasses writing a variety of different reports directly submitted to the juvenile court.

Maura C.

Administrative Assistant

Maura is an Arizona native and is bilingual. She enjoy helping others love to decorate and cook. Maura is a mother to four fantastic children and a proud grandmother of four .

Kristie J.

Intake & DKE Coordinator

Kristie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Indiana University. Kristie is originally from Indiana and moved to Arizona in 2017. Kristie has 2 years of experience working as a Parent Aid, Visit Supervisor, and Juvenile Mentor. Kristie is married and has two dogs and enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and kayaking.

Sarah V.

Domestic Adoptive Parent Case Manager

Sarah was born and raised in Montana before heading south to Arizona in 2018. Building Arizona Families’ mission statement drew her out of retirement and back into working as a social worker for the agency. Sarah graduated from Carroll College in Helena, Montana with a degree in social work and criminal justice.

Amber C.

Domestic Adoptive Parent Case Manager

Amber has her bachelors degree in Applied Behavioral Science with a minor in Child Development. She is married with two children. Amber has several years experience working with children and their families (was in childcare for a very long time). She likes to spend time with my family and be outdoors.

Jessica B.

Medical Records Clerk

Jessica a mom of three children and enjoys being silly and making her kids laugh. Her youngest brother was adopted at birth and she has a huge heart for growing families through adoption. Jessica is a huge advocate for children, especially children with special needs as her youngest has ASD.

Molly S.

Social Worker

Molly has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Reading and English as a Second Language from Northern Arizona University. She has taught kindergarten, third grade, second grade, at the college level and is now in her 16th year of teaching in Arizona. She has a passion for children, which led her to adoption and eventually social work. Molly is an adoptive mom of three. Her two oldest children were adopted at the age of four months from Ethiopia. Her youngest was adopted domestically as an infant. She has worked for Building Arizona Families since before she adopted her first two children in 2006. As Assistant to the International Coordinator, Molly specializes in home studies for families looking to enter the world of international adoption.

About Us

Wondering, “How do I give my baby up for adoption in Arizona?”

If parenting is your choice,

If adoption is your choice,

Kelly Rourke-Scarry

Angie P.

Adam S.

Scott P.

Becky M.

Jennifer W.

Ixcel B.

Lisa S.

Karly S.

Robyn F.

Lisa P.

Sharon C.

Sue S.

Katya P.

Patrick C.

Shakia T.

Gloria C.

Sara M-G.

Angela B.

Maura C.

Kristie J.

Sarah V.

Amber C.

Jessica H.

Molly S.

You are not alone.

We are here to help you.

Pin It on Pinterest