Foster Parenting

Every child deserves a safe and loving home, yet some children enter the world without either. The Department of Child Safety is dedicated to the mission that all Arizona children should be safe and belong in strong forever families.  

When a newborn child is abandoned as occurred this week in Mesa, Arizona goes to work to protect these vulnerable infants. In desperate circumstance where a baby’s parent believes they simply can’t care for the child, the Arizona Safe Haven Law allows a baby up to three days old to be brought to a hospital, emergency medical service provider, fire station, licensed private child welfare agency or a participating church with no questions asked.  A child dropped off at a participating location will be safe and cared for through the Department of Child Safety system (DCS).

Babies who come to DCS under the Arizona Safe Haven Law will need a home immediately - a loving foster family to nurture the newborn during one of the most vulnerable times of the baby’s life.

There is a tremendous need in Arizona for foster families.  Being a foster parent is one of the most important and rewarding things anyone can do, and Arizona has many children just waiting to come to a safe, loving home like yours.  If you’re a foster parent, thank you.  And if you are considering fostering, please know that Arizona’s children need you and the Department of Child Services will provide the resources and support you need in the process of becoming a licensed foster care home.

For more about being a foster parent please visit: http://azfamilyresources.org  or call 1-877-KIDS-NEEDU.

To learn more about the Safe Haven Law, please visit the DCS website here:https://dcs.az.gov/services/safe-haven-newborn-information