Frequently Asked Questions

• The online reporting service is separated into five sections:
  • Section I: We ask you to identify yourself and tell us what type of reporting source you are (i.e. – school, law enforcement, etc.). You can use the online reporting service as a one-time user, or you can become a registered user with a secure user name and password.
  • Section II: We gather information regarding the child(ren) such as their age, school/daycare or where the child(ren) can be located.
  • Section III: We inquire about the adult profile so that we can understand who was involved in the alleged abuse and/or neglect.
  • Section IV: We ask you about what happened. This is your opportunity to tell us what your concerns are.
  • Section V: We ask you to tell us about the child and adult functioning as well as any other details you think will help ensure the safety of the child(ren) you are concerned about.
• After submitting your concern, you will be able to print a copy of the document to keep for your confidential records.
• You will receive a unique form number that will be associated with the concern you submitted.
  • If you do not receive a form number your concern was not submitted.
• Some of the questions we ask you will require a response before you are able to continue and/or submit your concern.
• Please Note: The system will time out after being idle for 20 minutes, and any information you have entered will be lost.

• Currently the Online Reporting Service is for Mandated Reporters and is reserved for individuals who are willing to identify themselves as the reporting source. Please be aware that the identity of reporting sources is strictly confidential, per ARS 8-807.
• Department of Child Safety is committed to assessing all concerns of child abuse and neglect to determine if a concern meets the statutory criteria for a DCS report.
• The Online Reporting Service best serves Arizona's children when the reporting source can be contacted for additional information and clarification, if needed.
• The Arizona Child Abuse Hotline will assess concern received from anonymous parties and can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-SOS-CHILD / 1-888-767-2445.

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 Meidcal report - printed by DCS
• CMDP insurance number
• Information that DCS knows about the child's special needs
• Copy of immunization record

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

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/

Yes, you can take your child in care on a trip under the following guidelines:

If you are traveling within Arizona or another state for more than 2 days but less than 7 days, you must notify the child’s DCS case manager and your licensing agency of the dates of travel, destination, and your contact telephone number.

DCS must authorize any trips within Arizona or another state that are 7 or more days long.

A court order is required if the trip is out of state and is for 30 or more days.

Traveling outside of the country requires a court order, passport, and any necessary immunizations. Discuss your travel request with the child’s DCS case manager and your licensing agency as early as possible to allow the child’s DCS case manager to request the court’s permission for the trip. You will need to get a passport for the child after obtaining a copy of the child’s birth certificate from the DCS case manager or Vital Records (if the child was born in Arizona; you will need a court order stating the child is in your custody). To apply for a passport for a foster child who is under 16, you will need a notarized document from DCS stating that you (the foster parents) are allowed to apply for a passport for the child and are permitted to take the child out of the county in addition to other required documents and fees.

If the trip will interfere with parental visitation, the DCS case manager may deny permission for the trip and/or require make-up visits for any missed visits. Also, the child’s parents may refuse to give permission for their child to go on the trip.

When you are traveling with a child in care, be sure to take the following: a copy of the court order placing the child in out of home care; the child’s Notice to Provider; a copy of the child’s birth certificate; the child’s passport (if traveling outside of the country); any available photo ID for the child (for example, school ID); the child’s CMDP card; all medications in their original bottles and placed in a locked container; and contact information for your DCS case manager and licensing agency.

DCS follows a 6 stage process:
Intake
Screening the Report
Investigation/Assessment
Case Decision and Disposition
Treatment/Case Management
Case Closure

Visit the Contact page on the DCS website.