CLICK to Report Child Abuse or Neglect
📞DCS Directory

Read our website in:

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

What if someone disagrees with a prosecuting agency that says the release of DCS records would cause specific material harm to their investigation/criminal prosecution?

If any person believes that a prosecuting agency has failed to demonstrate that the release of DCS records would cause a specific material harm to the criminal investigation, that person may file an action in Superior Court and ask the court to review the DCS records and tell the Department which records can be released.

What information is included in the DCS records the Department may 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.

Is there any information that cannot be released?

Information protected by state or federal law cannot be released. This may include: information regarding the source of a DCS report, information related to the privacy and dignity of crime victims (Arizona Constitution), criminal history information obtained from the Department of Public Safety, medical records protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and educational records protected under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

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.

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

Yes. Contact us for details.

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.

How do I get caseworker, Program Supervisor, and Program Manager contact information?

We highly recommend getting the contact information for all three and having it on hand in case of an emergency. The caseworker's contact information is on the Notice to Provider. You can call the assigned DCS office and ask for the Program Supervisor and Program Manager contact information; visit https://dcs.az.gov/about/offices for the list of DCS offices and telephone numbers.

How can I contact others at DCS?

Visit the Contact page on the DCS website.

Who should I contact if I am unhappy or have concerns with DCS?

Go through the chain of command by contacting your caseworker and their supervisor. Visit https://dcs.az.gov/about/contact for the list of DCS offices and telephone numbers. If that does not work please contact the DCS Office of the Ombudsman, https://dcs.az.gov/resources/resolve-complaint-or-disagreement

I have an unusual incident; who should I contact?

If you are a licensed foster parent, R21-6-326 requires you to notify DCS and your licensing agency within 24 hours if any of the following incidents occur:

Injury, illness, change of medication, or medication error that requires medical attention
Theft of money or property belonging to a foster child
Significant damage to the property of a foster child
Injury to others or significant damage to the property of others caused by a foster child
Using physical restraints to control a foster child’s sudden, out-of-control behavior
Arrest of a household member or involvement of a household member with law enforcement that does not lead to an arrest
Household changes that affect the foster parent’s ability to meet the foster child’s needs
Life-threatening illness, injury, or the death of a household member
Incidents involving a DCS report or investigation

If you are a licensed foster parent, R21-6-326 requires you to notify DCS and your licensing agency immediately if any of the following incidents occur:

Death of a foster child
Unexplained absence of a foster child
Unauthorized removal or attempted removal of a foster child from the care and supervision of the foster parent
A serious illness, injury, or mental health crisis of a foster child that requires hospitalization or emergency room treatment
An allegation or the discovery of a sign of abuse or neglect of a foster child
Arrest of a foster child or involvement of a foster child with law enforcement that does not lead to an arrest
Fire or other situation requiring overnight evacuation of the home
Incidents that involve or are likely to involve the media
Any other unusual incident that seriously jeopardizes the health, safety, or well-being of a foster child
Within 24 hours of any of the above noted incidents, licensed foster parents shall complete an Unusual Incident Report form and submit it to their licensing agency.

Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 2 hours of the following: death of a child or hospitalization (medical or psychiatric), alleged abuse, or other emergency threatening the child’s placement.

Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 48 hours if the child becomes seriously illness, death of a caregiver, change in family composition, or involvement with law enforcement.

How do I engage in shared parenting with my child's primary family?

Engaging in shared parenting with a child’s primary family can help the child adjust to your foster home and increase the chance of reunification. Remember to always abide by any guidelines provided by the child’s DCS case manager. Discuss any questions or concerns about shared parenting with the child’s DCS case manager and/or your licensing worker. https://dcs.az.gov/sharedparenting

How can I support family reunification for my child?

Foster parents are an important resource for helping foster children reunify with their parents.

Arizona Department of Child Safety

Read our website in:

Main menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

Footer Nav

Footer SM