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Arizona Department of Child Safety

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Arizona Department of Child Safety
Phone: Child Abuse Hotline 1-888-767-2445
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  • Home
  • About
    • About DCS
    • Engage
    • Field Offices
    • Policy & Procedure
      • DCS Policy & Procedure
      • DCS Rules & Rulemaking
      • DCS Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
      • DCS Non-Discrimination Policy
      • DCS Limited English Proficiency Policy
    • Procurement & Contracts
    • Strategic Plan
    • Community Advisory Committee
    • Volunteer
      • Community Screening Partners
      • Get Involved
      • Community / Volunteer Interest Form
      • FACT Program
      • Giving Tree
    • Contact Us
  • Careers
    • Career Opportunities
      • Child Safety Specialist
      • Child Welfare Investigative Specialist (OCWI)
      • Search All Positions
    • We Are Compassioneers
  • News & Reports
    • News Releases
    • DCS Reports
    • Performance Measures
      • DCS Monthly / Semi-Annual Report
      • Agency Progress
    • Child Fatalities / Near Fatalities
    • Process for Release of Info
    • Settlement - Tinsley v. Faust
  • Parents
    • Parent Guide
    • Parents Rights
    • Parent Advisory Collaborative
  • Foster & Adoption
    • Foster Care
      • Start the Journey! Orientation
      • Learn More
      • Therapeutic Foster Care
      • Licensing Agencies
      • Information Events
      • Kinship Resources
      • Go-to Guide
      • Foster & Kinship FAQ's
    • Adoption
      • Adoption Stories
    • Shared Parenting
    • Children's Heart Gallery
    • Search AdoptUSKids
    • Newsletter
  • Resource
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Request DCS Information
    • Complaint or Disagreement
      • Ombudsman Complaint Form
    • DCS Forms
    • DCS Brochures & Flyers
  • Services
    • Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan
      • For Members
      • For Providers
      • Health and Wellness
      • News and Updates
      • Contact Us
      • Language and Translation
    • DCS Service Array
    • Prevention
      • Safe Sleep
      • Arizona Families F.I.R.S.T.
      • Healthy Families Arizona
      • Regional Child Abuse Prevention Councils
      • Resources for Parents
      • Back-To-School Resources and Tips for Parents
    • Investigations and OCWI
    • Office of Licensing & Regulation (OLR)
    • Young Adult
      • Young Adult Program
      • Young Adult Resources
      • Youth Empowerment Council
      • Transitional Independent (TILP)
      • National Youth in Transition Database
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  • Report Child Abuse
    • Child Abuse Hotline
    • Mandated Reporter Overview Training
    • Safe Haven Newborn
    • SB1114 - Child Abuse Hotline Required Posting
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  • Investigations and OCWI

Investigations and OCWI

After DCS completes an investigation, the parent, guardian or custodian involved will receive a letter stating whether or not the information found during the DCS investigation concludes there is reason to believe the allegations of abuse and/or neglect are true; this is referred to as either a “substantiated” or “unsubstantiated” finding. If the finding is substantiated, that means there is reason to believe the abuse/neglect did take place. An unsubstantiated finding means there was insufficient evidence to conclude the abuse or neglect took place. If the DCS Specialist is considering a substantiated finding, the parent, guardian or custodian involved will also receive a letter explaining how an appeal of the decision may be requested. This letter will also inform the parent, guardian or custodian how they can request a copy of the DCS report which contains the information reported to DCS alleging abuse and/or neglect.

If an appeal hearing is requested, the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Protective Services Review Team (PSRT) will review all information and determine if there is enough evidence to agree with the decision made by DCS. If the PSRT disagrees with the decision made by DCS, the parent, guardian or custodian will be notified of this in writing and the allegation will not be substantiated.

If the PSRT agrees with the DCS decision, a hearing will be scheduled for the person with the Office of Administrative Hearings. At this hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will hear all the evidence and make a decision about the allegation and the finding.

To read more about DCS Investigations, click here.

Protective Services Review Team (PSRT)

The Protective Services Review Team (PSRT) provides notice (letters) to persons who have allegedly abused or neglected a child to inform that person that the Department proposes to place their name in the Central Registry.
If you received a letter because a dependency petition has been filed in Superior Court and you desire more information, download the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, available in both English or Spanish, for answers to common questions.

Click Here to View PSRT FAQ's

Click Here to View PSRT FAQ's in Spanish

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  • Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan
    • For Members
    • For Providers
    • Health and Wellness
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    • Contact Us
    • Language and Translation
  • DCS Service Array
  • Prevention
    • Safe Sleep
    • Arizona Families F.I.R.S.T.
    • Healthy Families Arizona
    • Regional Child Abuse Prevention Councils
    • Resources for Parents
    • Back-To-School Resources and Tips for Parents
  • Investigations and OCWI
  • Office of Licensing & Regulation (OLR)
  • Young Adult
    • Young Adult Program
    • Young Adult Resources
    • Youth Empowerment Council
    • Transitional Independent (TILP)
    • National Youth in Transition Database
  • Victims' Rights
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