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Frequently Asked Questions

Health

How do I get the child's immunization records?

The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) maintains an electronic registry of immunizations, and Arizona providers are mandated by law to report all immunizations of children ages birth through 18 in Arizona.

To get a copy of a child's immunization records, fill out the ADHS Immunization Record Request Form, and fax (602-364-3285) or email [email protected] the form along with a copy of the Notice to Provider, a copy of your driver's license, and instructions for where the records should be faxed, emailed, or mailed back to you.

You can also pick up a copy of a child's immunization records in person at the Arizona Department of Health Services, Immunization Program Office at 150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 120 Phoenix, AZ 85007 by bringing the notice to provider and a valid ID.

Your DCS case manager or DDD support coordinator can also assist in obtaining the child's immunization records.

Download a copy of the ADHS Immunization Record Reqeuest Form here.

How often does the child in my care need to go to the dentist?

It is important to start dental care at an early age and continue regularly. Children and youth who are at least 1 year of age, or with the eruption of the first tooth, should receive a dental examination within 30 days of removal and placement into foster care. Regular dental checkups should occur every 6 months following the first visit.

How often does the child in my care need to go to the doctor?

Children and youth in foster care should receive a well-child medical examination, also known as an Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT), within 30 days of removal and placement into foster care. Regular well-child examinations should occur every 12 months thereafter. A child under two years of age will have more frequent wellness exams. Your DCS Specialist or DDD support coordinator will ask you about medical and dental appointments, so it is a good idea to keep records of these.

What is the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)?

The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) is a statewide system of programs and services. AzEIP provides support for families of infants and toddlers, newborn to 3 years old, with disabilities or delays. The goal is to help these children reach their full potential. A newborn to 3-year-old child who is the victim of abuse or neglect can get an AzEIP evaluation. For more information on the AzEIP program, call 602-532-9960, toll free 1-888-439-5609 or visit the website at https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-infant.

What is expected of me as a foster parent in the area of DDD/ALTCS?

Provide care to the child in a manner that supports independence, self-esteem, respect, value, and dignity.
Actively participate in the child's Planning Team.
Attend medical appointments, therapeutic appointments and advanced training to appropriately meet the child's medical/therapeutic needs.
Report incidents to the DDD Support Coordinator, DCS case manager, and your licensing worker if you are licensed, as well as complete a DDD Incident Report form.

How do I get medical and dental records for the child in my care?

The child's assigned DCS Specialist should provide you with the child’s Health and Medical Report. Ask the DCS Specialist to provide all medical information that is in the child's file. With the Notice to Provider form that you receive upon the child’s placement into your home, you can also request records from past medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health providers.

When do I need to report illnesses, injuries, and health care appointments?

Licensed foster parents should notify DCS and their licensing agency within 24 hours if the child has an illness, injury, change of medication, or medication error that results in seeking medical attention.

Licensed foster parents are to notify DCS and their licensing agency immediately if the child dies, has a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization, or receives urgent care or emergency room treatment and whenever emergency services (911) is contacted.

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). Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 48 hours if the child becomes seriously ill.

How do I find out previous and current medical conditions for the child in my care?

Ensure that the child's DSC Specialist provides you with the child’s Health and Medical Report. Ask the DCS Specialist to provide all medical information that is in the child's file. With the Notice to Provider form that you receive upon placement, you can also request records from past medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health providers.

What is an Integrated Rapid Response Assessment?

Children in foster care have experienced trauma and should receive an Integrated Rapid Response Assessment from a behavioral health provider within 72 hours of removal and placement into out-of-home care. This assessment evaluates the child for any acute behavioral health or physical health needs they may have and supports the caregiver to address those needs. The behavioral health provider assists with selecting a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and arranging an initial appointment. The behavioral health provider will make sure that there is follow up by an ongoing behavioral health team to support the child and caregiver.

If a behavioral health provider has not called you to make an appointment to arrange for an Integrated Rapid Response service within 24 hours after the child enters out-of-home care, call the Crisis Response Network Foster Care Line at 602-633-0763.

What is Jacob's Law?

HB2442, also known as Jacob's Law was signed in March 2016 in an effort to improve care for Arizona’s foster/kinship/adoptive families receiving behavioral health services. The law establishes timelines to provide behavioral health services to foster and adoptive children. The bill's purpose is to ensure easier, better access to behavioral health care for Arizona's children in foster care and their families.

What is the Notice to Provider form?

The Notice to Provider form is a document that authorizes caregivers to enroll the child in school and obtain medical care for the child. The child’s assigned DCS specialist will give you a Notice to Provider form when the child is placed in your home. The Notice to Provider form includes the DCS Specialist’s contact information, specifications about contact with the child's family, and the child's health coverage identification number.

How can I request respite from my child's behavioral health provider?

Caregivers of someone receiving behavioral health services can use a maximum of 600 hours per year per enrolled member. To request respite through your behavioral health provider speak with the provider about a referral. Respite can also be discussed at your CFT meeting.

How do I get prescriptions filled for psychotropic medications?

Psychotropic medications are covered by Mercy Care DCS CHP. All prescriptions must be filled at a pharmacy in Mercy Care DCS CHP’s network. Many pharmacies are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can find a list of pharmacies in the Mercy Care DCS CHP Provider Directory at MercyCareAZ.org and select “For Members” under Mercy Care DCS CHP. You’ll locate “Find a Pharmacy” in the upper right corner of the screen.

If you have any questions or trouble filling a prescription while you are at the pharmacy, you can call Mercy Care DCS CHP. Mercy Care DCS CHP Member Services can help you with the member’s prescriptions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have questions or problems outside Mercy Care business hours, you can call the Mercy Care 24-hour nurse line at 602-212-4983 or 1-833-711-0776 (TTY/TDD 711).

Are there specific rules about storing medications?

If you are a licensed foster parent, medications must be stored according to Arizona Administrative Code, Title 21, Chapter 8, Article 1. This means a licensed foster parent shall ensure all medications are kept in locked storage; a lock is defined as a device operated by a key, combination, magnet, keycard, or other tool. Locks must not include a locked door for a room that serves an alternate purpose (laundry room, garage, office, daily use closets, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, etc.) Medication means both prescription and over-the-counter remedies. If you are an unlicensed provider, although it is not required to lock medications, it is recommended that medications be safeguarded.

Do I need to keep track of medication given to the child in my care?

It is recommended that the child’s medications and dosages are logged. Keeping documentation of medications to show the child's doctor is helpful when determining a medication's effectiveness and correct dosage. Keeping a medication log for the child also demonstrates compliance with doctor's orders. The log will help you organize and store all of the child’s records, information, and documents.

Arizona Department of Child Safety