Voluntary Placement

Voluntary placement is a time-limited service that may be provided for a child as an alternative for the family to keep their child safe. A case plan must be developed with the family aimed at resolving safety and/or risk factors that must be addressed in order for the child to live safely at home. Placement under a voluntary placement agreement shall be with a relative or licensed out-of-home care provider. Voluntary Placement Agreements shall not:

1. exceed 90 days;
2. be consecutive (“back-to-back”) placement agreements;
3. be utilized more than twice within 24 consecutive months, [ARS §8-806(C)];
4. be accepted for a child without the written, informed consent of the parent, legal guardian or legal custodian. [ARS §8-806(E)]
5. be accepted for a child who is age 12 or older and not developmentally disabled without the written informed consent of the child, unless the department determines that voluntary placement is clearly necessary to prevent abuse.[ ARS §8-806(F)]