DCS Opens Rulemaking Process for Licensing of Child Placing Agencies and Child Welfare Agencies

PHOENIX (May 6, 2016) - The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) has opened the process to complete the agency rules covering the Department's licensing, regulation and enforcement of standards for child welfare agencies under Title 21 Child Safety that will replace existing rules covering the same subject matter under Title 6 Economic Security.

In 2015, DCS created the initial draft of these rules, which were then subject to public comment as well as open hearings held in Phoenix and Tucson.  Due to the complexity of the subject matter, the department was granted an exception to Executive Order 2016-03, in January, 2016 to complete the Child Placing Agencies and Child Welfare Agencies rules.

The new rules will correct citations, replace references to the Department of Economic Security with the Department of Child Safety and update information to include Department responsibilities, procedures, and practices.

Work has begun to address oral and written comments received last year and to provide a revised draft for informal public review and necessary adjustments prior to the filing of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

The Department plans to begin listening sessions with subject matter experts during the second quarter of 2016. The Department will consult with interested stakeholders and others during the third quarter of 2016 to develop proposed draft rules.

Written comments on this rulemaking can be submitted at any time to [email protected].  Formal written comments for the rulemaking record will be accepted after the publication of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Arizona Administrative Register and prior to the close of public record date, which has not been determined. The Department has not yet scheduled public hearings.

A Notice of Rulemaking Docket Opening has been filed with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office and can be found at this link: http://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/register/2016/18/19_docket.pdf.