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Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

What does the licensing inquiry process look like?

When OLCR/OLR makes the decision to request a licensing inquiry, the licensing agency is notified along with the GAL, DCS worker and supervisors within the agencies. This notification comes through an e-mail from OLCR/OLR. Depending on the nature of the concerns, an unannounced visit may occur. If an unannounced visit is not needed, the licensing worker simply contacts the family to arrange a visit. For the agency, the licensing inquiry process is outlined in detail by OLCR/OLR. The licensing worker will discuss the specific concerns with the family. The licensing worker may also need to interview other household members. Usually, the licensing worker will need to interview the children in the home. After all of the information is gathered, the licensing worker generates a report. The report will indicate whether or not any licensing violations were found.

What happens if someone wants additional records about a case/family where a child has died or nearly died as a result of abuse or neglect beyond what the Department can provide?

State law (see A.R.S. 8-807 K ) allows an individual to petition the Superior Court to request that the Court review the records and tell the Department which records can be released.

Requests may be emailed, faxed or mailed as indicated on the contact us page.

The more information you provide with your request, the faster the Department will be able to respond to your request. Please provide as much information as possible, including full names and dates of birth for the child, the parents and the alleged perpetrator (if a caregiver other than a parent).

The Records Coordinator will notify you when the request has been received, will provide you with periodic updates on the status of the request, and will provide the records to you once they are available.

What information is included in a records release?

The DCS case file typically includes: DCS investigation case notes, including safety and risk assessments regarding the child and correspondence with the family; court documents filed regarding the child, including the family’s case plan and progress reports filed with the court by DCS; and, reports about the child received by treatment and service providers working with the family.

What might happen as a result of a licensing inquiry?

If the licensing agency determines that there were no rule violations, it will suggest no further action. However, if it is determined that licensing rules were violated, the licensing agency will recommend a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). A CAP usually requires additional training and/or monitoring of the home to ensure any licensing violations are corrected. Regardless of what the licensing agency determines, OLCR/OLR will make an independent assessment of the findings. OLCR/OLR will either accept the report and recommendations as they are written or add additional requirements at their discretion. An open licensing inquiry may delay renewal. The licensing agency will also place the family on hold for additional placements until OLCR/OLR sends a closing letter with their recommendations. If a family chooses to close their license with an open inquiry or prior to completing a CAP, OLCR/OLR will deny any re-applications and the family will not be eligible for licensure in the future (R21-6-414.I.2).

Is there a cost for obtaining the DCS records on a case?

Yes. Contact us for details.

Is there a cost for obtaining DCS records?

Yes. Contact us for details.

Can families contest the findings of the inquiry?

The inquiry report is generated by the licensing agency in partnership with the family. The family is expected to cooperate with the agency by fully disclosing any requested information. Families will be provided a redacted copy of the licensing report after it is submitted to OLCR/OLR. If a family feels that they have been treated unfairly or inaccurately represented, they may contact the persons listed on the Supplemental Notice of Inspection form that would have been provided by the worker at the time of the visit. The licensing agency has the final authority regarding what is contained in the licensing inquiry report.

How can I obtain additional records on a case, beyond what DCS releases?

State law (see A.R.S. 8-807 I ) allows an individual to petition the Superior Court to request that the Court review the records and tell the Department which records can be released.

Requests may be emailed, faxed or mailed as indicated on the contact us page.

The more information you provide with your request, the faster the Department will be able to respond to your request. Please provide as much information as possible, including full names and dates of birth for the child, the parents and the alleged perpetrator (if a caregiver other than a parent).

The Records Coordinator will notify you when the request has been received, will provide you with periodic updates on the status of the request, and will provide the records to you once they are available.

How long will the licensing inquiry take?

From the time the request is received, the licensing agency has 45 days to investigate the concerns and submit a report. After the report is submitted to OLCR/OLR, OLCR/OLR will send a written response. OLCR’s/OLR’s goal is to close licensing inquiries within 21 days of receiving the licensing agency’s report.

At what age can a child be left home alone when we are at work?

Arizona's statutes (laws) do not designate an age when a child can be left alone. A parent is responsible for the decisions he or she makes about their children being left alone. The law does require however, that the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Department of Child Safety (DCS) investigate reports of neglect which include failure to provide supervision that places a child at substantial risk of harm. Leaving children alone is included in the category of supervision.

DCS will take a report when a child, who is not capable of caring for him or herself or other children, is left alone. When calls come into DCS, specific questions are asked to help determine if there is a problem for the child. These may include: Does the child know how to reach the parent? Does the child know how to get emergency help? Is there a neighbor to go to? Is someone checking in on the child?

Sometimes police are called to the home. Before removing children, police will often try to make contact with the parent or other responsible person to come and supervise the children. The police are required to report this information to DCS. This could result in a DCS Specialist contacting the children and parent about the report and making an assessment of any needed services. Parents must use good judgment about their children's capabilities, as they are ultimately responsible. We hope this helps in providing an answer to your question. If you need additional information or wish to speak to someone from DCS, call the Child Abuse Hotline: at 1-888-767-2445.

I'd like to resolve a complaint or disagreement with DCS.

DCS offers a series of steps to address and resolve complaints or disagreements. If you have a complaint with DCS, visit this page.

What information should I receive when a child is placed in my home?

When a child is placed in your home, you should receive the following paperwork from DCS:

Notice to Providers (Out-of-home, Education, and Medical) CSO-1035A, completed at the time of placement
Child's Health and Medical report - printed by DCS
Mercy Care DCS CHP (Comprehensive Health Plan) member ID number
Information that DCS knows about the child's special needs
Copy of immunization record

Please see DCS Policy Chapter 4: Section 6 for additional paperwork and information needed, https://extranet.azdcs.gov/DCSPolicy/

What should I do next when a child is placed in my home?

Make the child feel welcome in your home. This is a new experience and trying time, so transition is key.

What are the most common terms/acronyms I am going to hear?

There are a lot of acronyms inside the foster care system, and when dealing with the state in general. Groups may have titles with several words in them, or a child may have a need that is shortened to save time. Visit the DCS Policy and Procedure Manual site and click Index. https://extranet.azdcs.gov/DCSPolicy/

Who should I expect to hear from?

When a child in foster care comes into your home, you can expect visits from several people with agencies involved in the case.

A case manager with the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) will be the first person you meet. Members of a rapid response behavioral health team will visit within the first 72 hours after the child is placed in your home.

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Arizona Department of Child Safety