Frequently Asked Questions

Child Care

Foster parents who work outside the home are eligible for DCS-sponsored childcare for their children in foster care. Contact the child’s DCS Specialist for more information.

Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP)

The Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP) is the health plan  that covers children in foster care. For more information, please visit  https://dcs.az.gov/cmdp

Provider Indemnity Program (PIP)

The Provider Indemnity Program, better known as PIP, is a state-funded insurance program that provides liability coverage for foster parents while caring for a child in foster care. PIP covers acts of children in foster care that result in damage to the property of foster parents or third parties. There is no charge to foster parents for this coverage. https://staterisk.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Provider%20Indemnity%20Program%2011_19_08.pdf

Respite Care

DCS contracts with foster parent licensing agencies to provide six days, or up to 144 hours annually, of respite care for licensed foster parents. Contact your licensing agency worker for more information.

DCS Warm Line

The Foster Parent Warm Line is a resource for licensed foster parents who are experiencing situations and cannot reach the Department of Child Safety (DCS) case manager for the child in their care in a timely manner. By calling 1-877-KIDSNEEDU (1-877-543-7633), and selecting Option 3, licensed foster parents will be connected to a Warm Line representative. The Warm Line is staffed during business hours but messages may be left at any time of the day or night.

The intent of the Warm Line is to provide licensed foster parents with information, assistance with authorizations for services, timely communication, and support. It is not intended to discourage or replace direct and regular communication between the DCS case manager and the licensed foster parent.

DCS Ombudsman's Office

The DCS Ombudsman's Office assists parents and guardians who are involved with DCS, their families and other interested parties when they are dissatisfied with services, actions or lack of actions, or their treatment by DCS staff.  The DCS Ombudsman's Office will review your complaint and determine the type of response needed.

KARE Family Centers

KARE Family Centers provide services to kinship caregivers. If you are a family member raising grandchildren, nieces or nephews, cousins or other relatives, the KARE Center can assess your needs and provide information and referrals to resources to help you. Services are provided in both English and Spanish. Locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Sierra Vista, Casa Grande and Yuma.
https://www.arizonaschildren.org/kinship/

Lodestar Family Connections Center (LFCC)

LFCC is an agency-independent supportive and educational resource center, providing a variety of programs for foster, adoptive, guardianship and kinship families. LFCC is family-centered to help meet the diverse needs of families caring for Arizona’s children. Located in Phoenix. www.familyconnectionscenter.org

Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents (AZAFAP)

Working in partnership with child welfare professionals and the community, AZAFAP’s purpose is to support, educate, empower and provide a unified voice for Arizona’s foster and adoptive families, with the goal of increasing the well being and stability of Arizona’s most vulnerable children. www.azafap.org

Arizonans for Children

Arizonans for Children is a non-profit organization that facilitates opportunities and provides effective solutions to alleviate hardships and improve the lives of children in foster care. They have a number of programs available including, tutoring, mentoring, life books, financial literacy for teens and a legal education program for teens aging out of the foster care system. Arizonans for Children also offers Children’s Visitation Centers for supervised visits as well as dance, sewing, cooking and craft classes. www.arizonansforchildren.org

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation provides funds to meet the needs of children in foster care that are not otherwise funded by the State, such as sports team fees, music, dance, karate and gymnastic lessons, class trips, prom clothes and some graduation expenses. To apply for an AFFCF grant, visit www.affcf.org and click on General Awards or email [email protected].

The Foster Alliance

Formerly, AZ Helping Hands, The Foster Alliance supports foster and kinship families at times of crisis or need by providing to them basic essentials such as bedding, clothes, personal effects, holiday and special occasion toys, school supplies and emergency assistance. They also act as a resource helping to connect families to other community based services including foster care enrichment and support providers.  https://thefosteralliance.org/

Arizona Family Resources

Arizona Family Resources provides the following: general information about foster care, information on the medical needs for children in care, information about foster children in school, information about the foster care legal process, external support resources, local resources sorted by county, what to do in the event of an emergency, and information on supports and resources for youth preparing to age out of foster care. www.azfamilyresources.org

E3 AZ Foundation

E3 AZ Foundation’s mission is to encourage, equip, and empower youth in the community by providing goods and services that promote love, support, and motivation. e3az.org

Helen's Hope Chest

Helen's Hope Chest supports foster and kinship families by providing quality clothing, shoes, hygiene items, diapers, toys, books, hygiene items, and school supplies at no cost. Their unique design provides children and youth with a positive experience of shopping in a boutique-like environment. They serve children from newborns to 18 years of age. https://helenshopechest.org/

If you are a licensed foster parent, medications must be stored according to Arizona Administrative Code, Title 21, Chapter 8, Article 1. This means a licensed foster parent shall ensure all medications are kept in locked storage; a lock is defined as a device operated by a key, combination, magnet, keycard, or other tool. Locks must not include a locked door for a room that serves an alternate purpose (laundry room, garage, office, daily use closets, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, etc.) Medication means both prescription and over-the-counter remedies. If you are an unlicensed provider, although it is not required to lock medications, it is recommended that medications be safeguarded.

Caregivers should not pay fees or copayments for medical, dental, vision, or behavioral health services and equipment covered by Mercy Care DCS CHP. Caregivers should not be billed for any services that Mercy Care DCS CHP covers. List Mercy Care DCS CHP as the responsible party on medical, dental, and vision forms. You do not need to list any personal information on any bills or claims.

Covered services are health care services for which Mercy Care DCS CHP pays. This includes physical health and behavioral health care, services, supports, supplies, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, equipment and other services. The Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan Member Handbook provides a list of covered health care services. You can access the handbook at https://www.mercycareaz.org/assets/pdf/chp-members/handbook/MercyCareDCS-CHP2021-2022MemberHandbook-ua.pdf.

Some behavioral health services may be provided in the home rather than in the office. Talk to the child’s behavioral health provider to find out what options are available.