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The NEW online system for mandated reporters is now available, please login or register HERE.

You can also call the Hotline 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445) to make a report.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety is currently transitioning to the new Guardian information management system. During this timeframe and for several days following the transition, there may be longer than normal wait times. Thanks in advance for your patience.

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Arizona Department of Child Safety

CLICK to Report Child Abuse or Neglect
📞DCS Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

Legal

Who should I call to report suspected maltreatment?

Call the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD or 1-888-767-2445

After calling the DCS Hotline, the Hotline Specialist may also ask you to call your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number.

You are now able to make a report online.

What can I do to attend it?

To find out if your child has a hearing coming up, call the FCRB office that serves your region. If you are the current placement, then you can also request that the FCRB office send you copies of FCRB reports.

Licensing

I am married; does my spouse have to go through the licensing process with me?

Yes, according to Title 21 (State of Arizona’s licensing rules and regulations), married applicants must both be licensed. There are a few exceptions (for example, a spouse is in the military and will be out of home for 9 or more of the next 12 months). However, if you have been separated from your spouse for more than 1 year, you may be able to become licensed individually. Please contact your licensing agency for more information, or contact this website’s live chat option to discuss your specific situation.

What does the licensing process look like?

Effective 1/2018, training that consists of an online component (approximately 15-20 hours) and a concurrent in-class component (15 hours)
Fingerprinting for all adult household members
Click the video to learn how you can get fingerprinted
Physical exams for all adult household members
Home Inspection
CPR and First Aid certification
Home study interviews with all household members
Copies of documents (driver license, marriage certificate, identify verification, paystubs, etc.)
Reference checks (5)
Becoming CPR/AED certified is also a requirement

how long will it take me to get licensed?

It generally takes 4 to 6 months to get licensed as the applicants need to complete the training course (concurrent online and in-person components) in addition to having a home study written and submitted to OLR. The home study process requires multiple home visits with your licensing worker to conduct interviews and collect the required supporting documentation. Applicants must also become First Aid and CPR certified.

What is the role of a licensing agency?

Licensing agencies work with families to help them become foster care licensed. Once a family is licensed, the licensing agency monitors the license to ensure the family is meeting the rules and regulations required of licensed foster parents. The licensing agency also provides support to the family by offering resources, helping the family work with various system partners (DCS, the court, behavioral health, schools, etc.), and helping the family locate ongoing trainings opportunities.

How do I prepare for my foster care license home inspection?

The Office of Licensing and Regulation (OLR) has created comprehensive materials to prepare foster families for a home inspection. Your licensing agency will also assist throughout the home inspection process and will schedule an inspection with OLR once your home is prepared.

Home inspection forms for foster homes:

AZDCS Preparation Guide for Life Safety Inspection
(Spanish)AZDCS Preparation Guide for Life Safety Inspection
AZDCS Pool Guide
Emergency Evacuation Plan and Emergency Numbers Form
Emergency Evacuation Drill Form
Emergency Evacuation Plan Review Log

Life Safety Inspection Packet
Life Safety Inspection Report

What happens after I am licensed?

A minimum of quarterly home visits from your licensing worker to support you and offer resources and to monitor that you are following licensing regulations
Monthly foster care reimbursement (click here for specifics)
Occasional unannounced visits
Required to keep foster child records
12 hours of advanced training every 2 years
License renewal process every 2 years
If you are receiving TANF Cash Assistance for the child(ren) in your care, notify DES FAA so that this financial assistance can be stopped. Click here for more information.

Does it cost anything to get licensed?

While there are no fees to get licensed, you will incur some costs (for example, to see a doctor to get a Physician’s Statement completed; to become CPR and First Aid certified; etc.).

I have criminal charges in my background; can I still be licensed?

It depends upon the criminal charges. All foster parents must obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and there are some convictions that prevent this. Please click here to review the required Criminal History Self Disclosure Affidavit that provides additional information about disqualifying convictions.

I have health problems; can I still be licensed?

It depends upon your health problems. All foster parents have to get a Physician’s Statement completed and the state licensing agency (OLR) makes a licensing decision based on the information your doctor provides on this form.

Do I have to own a car to be licensed?

No, but foster parents are responsible for providing routine transportation for foster children to attend school, go to medical/dental/counseling appointments, etc. When a foster parent does not have a car, their plan for meeting foster children’s transportation needs must be explained in their home study.

Mandated Reporters

How do I access Arizona's Online Reporting Service for Mandated Reporters?

Each mandated reporter creates an account.
Each time the mandated reporter logs in, the Reporting Party section will auto-populate with the mandated
Reporter’s information.
The mandated reporter can update account information.
Register or Login to existing account.
You may wish to Bookmark or Favorite the Log In page to your browser.
If you forget your user name and password, the system allows you to reset your information.

Note: The online reporting service for mandated reporters website is only for mandated reporters to report situations that do not require an emergency response. An emergency is a situation where a child faces an immediate risk of abuse or neglect that could result in death or serious harm.

Why use Arizona's Online Reporting Service for Mandated Reporters?

Provides an additional means to ensure the safety and well-being of Arizona's children.
Provides a convenient, secure alternative to reporting via telephone and there are never any hold times.
Allows you to print a copy of the concern you have submitted for your confidential record.
Automatic email receipt informing you that your concern has been received.

Note: The online reporting service for mandated reporters website is only for mandated reporters to report situations that do not require an emergency response. An emergency is a situation where a child faces an immediate risk of abuse or neglect that could result in death or serious harm.

What is a Mandated Reporter?

Mandated reporters are required by law, as defined by ARS 13-3620, to report all concerns of child abuse or neglect. Department of Child Safety (DCS) provides this secure website for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect to report non-emergency concerns, as authorized by ARS 13-3620. Non-emergency concerns are those in which a child is not at immediate risk of abuse or neglect that could result in serious harm.

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Arizona Department of Child Safety

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