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Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

What process does DCS follow to assess and provide services (if appropriate) after an allegation of abuse or neglect has been received?

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

What preliminary information will the Department release about all cases where a child has died or nearly died as a result of abuse or neglect?

State law (see § A.R.S. 8-807.01 A(1) a-g) requires that the following preliminary information be released about a case of abuse or neglect that results in a child fatality or near fatality:

In the case of a fatality, the name of the child who has died.
The age, gender, county and general location of the residence of the child who has suffered a fatality or a near fatality.
The fact that a child suffered a fatality or near fatality as the result of abuse, abandonment or neglect.
The name, age and city, town or general location of the residence of the alleged perpetrator, if available, unless the disclosure would violate the privacy of victims of crime pursuant to article II, section 2.1, Constitution of Arizona.
Whether there have been reports, or any current or past cases, of abuse, abandonment or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator.
Actions taken by the department in response to the fatality or near fatality of the child.
A detailed synopsis of prior reports or cases of abuse, abandonment or neglect involving the child or the alleged perpetrator and of the actions taken or determinations made by the department in response to these reports or cases.

The preliminary information will be posted on this website.

When will the preliminary information be released and how will the public know the preliminary information has been released?

The preliminary information will be released within 5 days of confirmation (Chapter 7 - Section 2) of DCS learning that a child’s death or near death is a result of maltreatment.

The information will be posted to this website.

How do I get caseworker, supervisor, and APM 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 supervisor and APM contact information; visit https://dcs.az.gov/about/contact for the list of DCS offices and telephone numbers.

What happens in cases where a child dies or nearly dies, but there is no medical proof or other evidence that the incident was a result of abuse or neglect (i.e., maltreatment)?

The law allows DCS to release records only in cases of abuse, abandonment or neglect resulting in a fatality or a near fatality. There must be medical proof or other evidence that the fatality or near fatality was caused by abuse or neglect.

Among the information DCS considers when determining that a child’s death was the result of abuse or neglect are:

A statement from a physician or an autopsy finding that the child’s death was the result of abuse or neglect;
A statement from a parent, guardian or caregiver that they caused the child’s death or near death;
the arrest or criminal indictment of a parent, guardian or caregiver in connection to the child’s death;
or, A DCS investigation has resulted in a substantiated finding that abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian or caregiver caused the child's death or near-death.

In addition, in the case of a near fatality, a physician must certify that the child was in serious or critical condition due to the abuse or neglect.

If there is insufficient information available to believe that the fatality or near fatality was caused by maltreatment, the Department, by federal and state law, cannot release records in the case.

How can I contact others at DCS?

Visit the Contact page on the DCS website.

How does someone request DCS records on a case where a child has died or nearly died as a result of abuse or neglect– beyond the preliminary information that is released?

Any individual may request DCS records on a case where a child has died or nearly died as a result of abuse or neglect (maltreatment) by contacting the Records Coordinator. 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 your request, and will provide the records to you once they are available.

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

How soon will the DCS records be released?

The Department is committed to providing the records as quickly as possible. Individual cases will vary, depending on the case circumstances. State law requires that the Department coordinate with the appropriate prosecuting agency before records on specific cases can be released. It also requires that the Department take appropriate steps to protect the privacy of crime victims, sources of DCS reports, and innocent parties in a case (such as siblings, grandparents, etc.) before the DCS records can be released.

The Records Coordinator will provide periodic updates to requestors letting them know the status of their request.

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.

Why do the records get reviewed by the prosecuting agency before they can be released to the public?

Law enforcement agencies statewide are critical partners in protecting children; they ensure that perpetrators of child abuse or neglect are held accountable for the harm they cause to children.

State law requires that the prosecuting agency be given the opportunity to review DCS records that may be released in order to determine whether the release of the records would cause “specific, material harm” to the criminal investigation.

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

Why must records be reviewed before they are released?

Law enforcement agencies statewide are critical partners in protecting children; they ensure that perpetrators of child abuse or neglect are held accountable for the harm they cause to children.

State law requires that the prosecuting agency be given the opportunity to review DCS records that may be released in order to determine whether the release of the records would cause “specific material harm” to the criminal investigation.

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.

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

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