Frequently Asked Questions

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.

A student's IEP should include transition services that define measurable postsecondary goals such as training/education and employment. According to the Arizona Department of Education's Special Education Parent Guide:

• These goals should be based on the student's preferences, interests, and strengths.
• Planning should begin no later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 16.
• The goals should be updated annually.

First, ask the child's DCS caseworker or therapist to make a referral for services through Raising Special Kids.

The Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services sometimes provides information and support to ensure that Arizona schools are following special education laws.

The Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education (OCR) enforces laws giving students with disabilities the right to a free, public education. OCR provides technical assistance to parents upon request. You can find more information on the OCR website.

You can request that the child's DCS case manager provide you with the educational allowance up to $82.50 per year to cover books, supplies, course fees, student services, and PE fees/equipment.

Each school district has a written policy on fee waivers that you can request to review. Some fees may automatically be waived for students who receive free lunches (and children in foster care automatically qualify for these). Some districts and schools have specific fee waiver policies in place to accommodate children in foster care. If the school is charging fees for classes, materials, or books, you can check with the school to see if the fees can be waived or reduced.

Several organizations provide school uniforms for foster children, including:

• Helen's Hope Chest (located in Maricopa County)
• Jose's Closet (located in Maricopa County)

Some schools and school districts have clothing banks for school uniforms. Please call your local school or school district to ask if they have this resource.

Agua Fria Food Bank provides emergency food boxes and school uniforms (during back to school season); the food bank serves the Goodyear, Avondale, Tolleson, and Tonopha area. ID and proof of address is required. For more information call 623-932-9135.