State Resources for Foster Families

Child Care

Foster parents who work outside the home are eligible for DCS-sponsored childcare for their children in foster care. Contact the child’s DCS Specialist for more information.

Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP)

The Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP) is the health plan  that covers children in foster care. For more information, please visit  https://dcs.az.gov/cmdp

Provider Indemnity Program (PIP)

The Provider Indemnity Program, better known as PIP, is a state-funded insurance program that provides liability coverage for foster parents while caring for a child in foster care. PIP covers acts of children in foster care that result in damage to the property of foster parents or third parties. There is no charge to foster parents for this coverage. https://staterisk.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Provider%20Indemnity%20Program%2011_19_08.pdf

Respite Care

DCS contracts with foster parent licensing agencies to provide six days, or up to 144 hours annually, of respite care for licensed foster parents. Contact your licensing agency worker for more information.

DCS Warm Line

The Foster Parent Warm Line is a resource for licensed foster parents who are experiencing situations and cannot reach the Department of Child Safety (DCS) case manager for the child in their care in a timely manner. By calling 1-877-KIDSNEEDU (1-877-543-7633), and selecting Option 3, licensed foster parents will be connected to a Warm Line representative. The Warm Line is staffed during business hours but messages may be left at any time of the day or night.

The intent of the Warm Line is to provide licensed foster parents with information, assistance with authorizations for services, timely communication, and support. It is not intended to discourage or replace direct and regular communication between the DCS case manager and the licensed foster parent.

DCS Ombudsman's Office

The DCS Ombudsman's Office assists parents and guardians who are involved with DCS, their families and other interested parties when they are dissatisfied with services, actions or lack of actions, or their treatment by DCS staff.  The DCS Ombudsman's Office will review your complaint and determine the type of response needed.