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Frequently Asked Questions

Education

Do children in foster care qualify for the free lunch program?

Children in foster care are automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch at schools where breakfast and lunch are provided.

Who pays for school fees, books, and materials?

School districts have individual policies regarding fee waivers. If you are charged additional fees by a school, you can contact the school to see if the fees can be waived or reduced. If you have questions, you can reach out the child's school's social worker or ESSA point of contact.

Can I get assistance obtaining school supplies?

DCS provides you with an educational allowance up to $82.50 per year to cover books, supplies, course fees, etc. You can request the allowance from you DCS specialist.

Many schools and non-profit organizations across the state hold annual backpack and school supply drives at the beginning of the school year. Please check with your local school district for information.

Is there someplace I can get school uniforms for the child in care?

Some school districts provide assistance with school uniforms. You can contact your child's school to determine if they offer this resource.

Financial

What financial resources are available to me?

All unlicensed kinship caregivers will automatically receive a $75 monthly stipend per child. For questions on this, please contact your DCS Specialist, or the DCS Warmline at 1-877-543-7633, Option 3.

What financial resources are available to me? TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Cash Assistance will be awarded to any non-licensed foster family in most cases, regardless of the family’s income. The benefit will be based on the child(ren) being in foster care. A family is not eligible for this reimbursement in addition to the licensed foster care reimbursement. Ensure that the application notes that the family is an unlicensed foster parent. The DCS Case Manager must assist the family with the submission of the application.

More info on TANF can be found here, https://dcs.az.gov/foster-and-adoption/kinship-resources

What financial resources are available to me? Foster Care Reimbursement

You can learn about the different financial resources available for foster parents through DCS's Go-To Guide. You can find the guide here: https://dcs.az.gov/foster-and-adoption/gotoguide

What financial resources are available to me? WIC

For information on WIC, please visit: https://azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/

What financial resources are available to me? SSI

For information on Social Security Income (SSI) benefits, please visit: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/

Where can I find help for my utilities?

For utility assistance, please visit the Arizona Department of Economic Security at: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/utility-assistance

What if my child damages my property or my neighbor's property?

Liability coverage may be available under certain circumstances through the state's Provider Indemnity Program. You can find more information here.

Where can I get information about TANF?

Your DCS Specialist can assist you with obtaining TANF benefits. You can find more information here.

Does the state provide any financial assistance to help care for children in foster care?

Yes. There are funds available to care for the children, based on the child's level of need. Additionally, allowances may be provided for specific occasions and needs. The Go-To Guide explains more about the funds that may be available to you: https://dcs.az.gov/foster-and-adoption/gotoguide

Foster Care and Adoption

Are all adopted children eligible for subsidy?

No. The subsidy is based on the child's individual needs. The DCS Adoption Subsidy Review Committee determines eligibility for each child.

What children are eligible for adoption subsidy?

Adoption subsidy eligibility requirements are determined by state and federal laws. You can learn more about the requirements here.

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Arizona Department of Child Safety