The Caregiver Resource Line, sponsored by the Arizona Caregiver Coalition offers a free support line for kinship caregivers and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
The caregiver line has information on resources, access to referrals, respite vouchers, and other support services for caregivers. Read more about their services on the Arizona Caregiver Coalition Brochure.
Statewide Caregiver Resource Line: 1-888-737-7494 Email: info@azcaregiver.org Website: http://www.AZCaregiver.org
Raising Special Kids’ Parent-to-Parent support program matches families who have a child with a disability or special health care need with volunteers (“mentors”) who have a child with a similar diagnosis who can provide information and support.
Family Involvement Center’s Family Support Program can provide short-term, one-on-one support for families with children receiving behavioral health services.
Community Bridges, Inc. provides comprehensive, medically integrated behavioral health programs which include prevention, education and treatment services. Website
Arizona Grandparent Ambassadors (AZGA) is a statewide coalition of aunts, uncles, fictive kin, and grandparents who are caring for children who are unable to remain in their own homes. Their mission is to support, mobilize, educate, and advocate for better laws and policies to help these caregivers provide better care for their children. Website
DrugRehab.com has a helpful substance abuse guide for parent, including information about drugs commonly used by teens, effects of drugs on the teen brain, and ways to prevent teen substance abuse.
KARE Family Center (Tucson) provides specialized case management and other services to relatives and non-relatives caring for youth. These services include support groups for grandparents and other relatives, including groups for monolingual Spanish-speaking caregivers, educational forums on court processes such as guardianship and adoption, and referrals to community resources. Website
Duet (Phoenix) offers support to Grandparents who have the primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren. Their support groups give you a place to share experiences, network with others, and find workable solutions to the challenges ahead. Website
Family Involvement Center (Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott Valley, and Flagstaff) offers a variety of resources including support groups and parenting classes. Website
Child Crisis Arizona hosts a virtual parenting support group on the first Wednesday of each month. Click here to register. Website.
**Please refer to our events calendar for additional dates for support groups throughout the valley.
Click here for some ideas on what you can do to protect yourself and your family from false allegations.
Becoming and being a foster parent is stressful and it is important for you to manage this stress in a healthy way.
Click here for information about issues in fostering that increase stress.
Click here for information for ideas about developing and maintaining a support system throughout the fostering experience.
Click here for some ideas on managing stress.
Click here to learn about cultural differences foster parents should expect when a child is newly placed in their care and how to embrace these cultural differences.
Click here to learn about attachment and how attachment is important for foster children.
Click here for ideas on how to foster parent a child with a different racial identity.
Click here for ideas on how to best support a child who identifies as LGBTQ.
Click here for information about ambiguous loss – what it is, what are the signs of ambiguous loss, and how to help a child with it.
Unlicensed kinship families are automatically eligible for the Kinship Stipend. The Kinship Stipend will be listed on the DCS billing sheet as service "unlic grpar-fc" with a daily rate of $9.86. If you are an unlicensed kinship family and do not see this listed on the DCS billing sheet, please notify the child's DCS case manager and/or your licensing worker.
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. Click on the adjacent video for instructions on how to complete the TANF application.
Click here for some additional information about TANF Cash Assistance benefit and application process.
DES Family Assistance Administration Customer Service Support Line: 1-(855) 432-7587
Click here to print out the TANF application (FAA-0001A – Application for Benefits or FAA-0001A-S– Solicitud de Beneficios).
You are responsible to contact DES FAA within 10 days of being notified that your foster care license has been approved and request that TANF Cash Assistance stop. You can do this in one of four ways:
Click here for more information on how to complete each of these forms. Please note that completing the Withdrawal or Stop Benefits/Fair Hearing Request form can trigger an eligibility re-assessment if you are receiving another form of TANF (for example, nutrition assistance).
Foster families are reimbursed a daily rate for clothing and personal allowance for the children in their homes. Click here to see current rates in Arizona for both licensed and unlicensed foster homes. To view an instructional video on how to complete the DCS Child Billing Form, click the first video.
Once foster families have begun receiving foster care reimbursement checks, they can save time by having them deposited directly to their bank account. To get the form for direct deposit click here. To view a video on how to sign up for direct deposit, click the last video.
Click here to read DCS’s “What to Expect Regarding Foster Care Payments.”
Children in foster care are eligible for benefits from the WIC program, a federally funded program providing residents with nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals — Website • 1-800-252-5942
There are different websites devoted to the type of Social Security benefits you are inquiring about, and a 1-800 number for all of them — Click to find out about each one: Survivors • Supplemental Security (SSI) • Disability (SSD) • 1-800-772-1213
A mobile program, DES ON THE GO involves two sport-utility vehicles that transport Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Family Assistance Administration (FAA) employees, their laptops and other equipment to remote locations in northern and southern Arizona. The FAA Program Service Evaluators (PSE) set up tables and tents to assist people with applications and interviews for food and cash assistance as well as health care needs. Website
City of Phoenix housing programs provide public housing, Section 8 housing vouchers, affordable rental apartments and single-family homes to more than 35,000 area residents. This includes partnering with non-profit and for-profit community organizations on the preservation and development of affordable housing units. Website Phoenix- 602-534-1975
Socialserve.com provides a fully-staffed, toll-free English/Spanish call center that helps landlords list and helps tenants search for properties while monitoring the availability and accuracy of listings. Website
The Affordable Rental Movement (ARM), provides long-term, affordable rental housing for working poor individuals and households to help you and/or your family grow and prosper. Tenants have access to after-school youth programming, budgeting assistance, as well as job assistance. Website
Maricopa County Department of Public Health created FindHelpPhx.org and its Spanish partner site EncuentraAyudaPhx.org to give Maricopa County residents an easy way to find health and social services for themselves. The website is easy to use and available where there is internet access, including smartphones.
Grandfamilies Place of Phoenix is a unique, affordable housing development tailored to the needs of seniors, specifically grandparents raising their grandchildren. A mixture of 56 two- and three-bedroom units provides safe, comfortable and affordable housing for multi-generational families
211 Arizona is an online resource for community information and referral services. Connect to services such as housing, utility assistance, and support groups. You can also contact 2-1-1 via phone, at 2-1-1 within Arizona or 877-211-8661 from anywhere.
Click here to find subsidized apartments in Arizona through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
If you are a kinship caregiver, DCS may be able to provide you with limited financial help to pay for housing costs. Please contact your DCS case manager for additional information regarding this “housing assistance.”
AZCEND’s Community Action Program (CAP) provides numerous services for families living in Chandler and Gilbert, including emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, and shelter/housing referrals. Website
Maricopa County Department of Public Health created FindHelpPhx.org and its Spanish partner site EncuentraAyudaPhx.org to give Maricopa County residents an easy way to find health and social services for themselves. The website is easy to use and available where there is internet access, including smartphones.
City of PhoenixThe Human Services Department for the City of Phoenix offers a variety of social services to low-income households, experiencing crisis. Services are provided through three family services centers, geographically dispersed throughout the city and provide broad range of assistance with urgent needs including utility, eviction prevention and/or move-in cost assistance. Caseworkers also provide employment, budgeting, social and life-skills development counseling assistance through case management services at the family and senior services centers.
Tempe Community Action AgencyLimited financial assistance is available to help with rent and utility bills. Additional support is provided by a case manager/life skills coordinator, who is ready to reach out and help anyone seeking assistance. Website
City of Glendale Community Action Program Community Action Program provides various types of assistance to prevent homelessness, such as case management, information and referral to local social service agencies. CAP provides direct financial assistance for those households that are eligible such as:
AZCEND’s Community Action Program (CAP) provides numerous services for families living in Chandler and Gilbert, including emergency financial assistance and utility assistance. Website
The State has an insurance program for families caring for children in care. Click here for details.
Please contact the DCS Placement Payment Processing Unit accounting specialists (which are assigned according to foster parent’s last name):
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation promotes the self-esteem and enriches the lives of Arizona's children in foster care by funding social, athletic and educational activities and items that provide them with quality experiences while they live through very difficult circumstances. — Website
Boys and Girls Club of America offers free, after school services to children in foster care ages 6-18 years old. Use your child's CMDP card for membership enrollment. Additionally, check with Clubs for Vacation Day Camps, Sport's Leagues and Young Champions, which include Pom, Cheer and Karate. Check with your local clubs to see if they participate. There may be fees and other costs required for the foster child to participate in some programs. — Website
iFoster — iFoster is a national non-profit with a mission of providing life-changing resources to children being raised outside of their biological homes. — Website
Arizonans for Children, Inc. - AFC works primarily in Maricopa County, but will help children from other counties from time to time. Services include: Birthday and Holiday gifts, Admission tickets to local events, Annual Train Park Picnic, Tutor/mentor program, LifeBooks - kayemccar@cox.net • 480-838-0085 Website
Opportunity4Kids believes that every child deserves the chance to participate in out-of-school time activities, regardless of their financial status. Opportunity4Kids raises funds to provide necessary fees, equipment and uniforms to underprivileged AZ youth. Website
Double Up Food Bucks - New Program - Double Up Food Bucks Arizona is a nutrition-based, federally funded program that helps people bring home more healthy fruits and vegetables, while also supporting Arizona farmers. The program doubles the value of SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefits used at farmers markets. Use your SNAP Quest Card at participating farmers markets and every dollar you spend is matched with an extra dollar to spend on more Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables, up to an additional $20 in free fruits and vegetables per market visit. Double Up Food Bucks Arizona is currently available at 14 farmers markets, four farm stands and 34 Fresh Express Mobile Market sites across the state.
Visit http://www.doubleupfoodbucksarizona.org/ to find participating farmers markets including hours and locations or ask about Double Up Food Bucks at the information booth the next time you shop with your SNAP Quest Card at your favorite farmers market. Program of Pinnacle Prevention.
United Food Bank's Help Yourself Food Box Program - Through the help yourself program, clients can purchase a box of food for $20 which includes a variety of fresh meats, produce & dry goods (a value of about $40). For an extra $13, you can get extra meat selections. Clients can also select from additional bonus items like bread, pastries, dairy products and deli products depending on availability. The earlier, the better the selection. Cash or Food Stamps accepted No restrictions or qualifications. 358 E. Javelina Drive, Mesa, AZ 85210, (480) 926-4897. Fridays from 8:00 am-noon, excluding holidays. Open to the public. website
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 Tonopah area. ID and proof of address is required. For more information call 623-932-9135.
Market on the Move through the 3000 Club - For a donation of $10 in Phoenix and Tucson, and $15 in Northern Arizona you can get up to 60 lbs. of fresh produce in a farmers market like atmosphere and setup that you can share with your friends, family, neighbors or other people in need. For a schedule and locations click here.
Children and youth in foster care are automatically eligible for free breakfast and lunch at schools where breakfast and lunch is provided. When filling out the form, the income is $0 because a child in foster care has no income (the stipend you receive from the state of Arizona is a reimbursement, not income).
Borderlands Food Bank P,O.W.W.O.W. Program operates during our produce season, typically November through August. Every week, usually on Saturdays, P.O.W.W.O.W. host sites are held in cities around Arizona in Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties. These sites are hosted by community organizations (churches, civic organizations, schools and universities.) Visit any of the P.O.W.W.O.W. sites and leave with up to 60 lbs of fresh produce, all just for a contribution of $10. Website
Borderlands' Food Bank Veggies R'Us Program provides individuals and organizations direct access to rescued produce at their Nogales, Arizona warehouse. Every Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, the Borderlands Nogales warehouse is open to serve the local community. Supporters are provided with an entire shopping cart full of produce, all for just a contribution of $3. Website
AZCEND’s Food Bank has emergency food boxes and supplemental food boxes for families living in Chandler and Gilbert. The Food Bank is located at 345 South California Street, Chandler, AZ 85225 and you can call AZCEND at (480) 963-1423 for more information. Website
Nourish PHX helps families meet basic needs, including food, clothing, shoes, soap, shampoo, diapers, and baby formula five days a week. Click here to see a flier (English and Spanish) about their services, location, and requirements. Website
Click here for a website that lets you search by zip code for emergency food boxes sites, hot meals sites and more in your area. Contact the site to learn what is required to receive services.
Children Are Priceless Passengers (CAPP) — Two hour safety classes in both English and Spanish to educate caregivers on the effectiveness of continuous and proper use of child safety seats. The $35 class fee includes the class and child safety seats to those individuals who don't currently have a seat or one that is outdated (expiration date), recalled by the manufacturer, involved in a collision, unknown prior history or with inadequate and/or missing parts. — Website
Kids Ride Safe Program-The Ride Safe Program reaches out to parents about the importance and correct use of car seats, booster seats and restraints. Phoenix Children's partners with "Safe Kids," as well as local fire and police departments to host community car seat checks. Our trained technicians check car seat installations, train parents and, in some cases, distribute donated car seats. Website
Association for Supportive Child Care — The Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC) provides a variety of services to child care providers, families, and children. Items such as car seats and safety items are provided at the end of some specific training courses, click on their website for more information. — Website
Jose's Closet (Superstition Mountain Elementary School, 550 South Ironwood Drive Suite 1, Apache Junction, AZ 85120) supplies foster, adoptive, and kinship families with clothes, strollers, school backpacks, toys, formula, diapers, and much more. There is a small annual membership fee for Jose’s Closet that covers ALL children in the home. They also charge a small fee for some disposable items (like diapers and formula) because they are in high demand and sometimes need to be purchased to supplement donations. Website
Nourish PHX helps families meet basic needs, including food, clothing, shoes, soap, shampoo, diapers, and baby formula five days a week. Click here to see a flier (English and Spanish) about their services, location, and requirements. Website
Arizona Helping Hands - Provides both Licensed and Kinship Foster Families throughout Arizona with twin beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, holiday and birthday packages, school supplies and backpacks. Children must have a Notice to Provider from DCS. Service is by appointment only. Contact Dreamcatcher@azhelpinghands.org or call 480-889-0604 for an appointment or for more information. Residents of other counties willing to travel to Maricopa County may also receive services. - Website
Nourish PHX helps families meet basic needs, including food, clothing, shoes, soap, shampoo, diapers, and baby formula five days a week. Click here to see a flier (English and Spanish) about their services, location, and requirements. Website
Arizona Helping Hands — Provides both Licensed and Kinship Foster Families throughout Arizona with twin beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, holiday and birthday packages, school supplies and backpacks. Children must have a Notice to Provider from DCS. Service is by appointment only. Contact Dreamcatcher@azhelpinghands.org or call 480-889-0604 for an appointment or for more information. Residents of other counties willing to travel to Maricopa County may also receive services. — Website
*** Arizona Helping Hands can also provide some of the required items for your OLR home inspection. For a list of available items click here
Arizonans for Children, Inc. - AFC works primarily in Maricopa County, but will help children from other counties from time to time. Services include: Birthday and Holiday gifts, Admission tickets to local events, Annual Train Park Picnic, Tutor/mentor program, LifeBooks - kayemccar@cox.net • 480-838-0085 Website.
More Than a Bed (Tucson) - mission is To support foster families and the children in their homes by providing for practical needs. Website
Duet (10000 N. 31st Avenue, Suite D200, Phoenix, AZ 85051) may be able to provide a twin bed for a grandchild being raised by a grandparent. Please note that you would be solely responsible for loading, securing, and safety transporting the mattress and box springs. Contact Duet at (602) 274-5022, extension 120 (Patricia) or extension 114 (Jennifer) to begin the intake process.
Nourish PHX helps families meet basic needs, including food, clothing, shoes, soap, shampoo, diapers, and baby formula five days a week. Click here to see a flier (English and Spanish) about their services, location, and requirements. Website
Barrientos Pool Fences-Specializes in pool fences in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal County. Speak with Ismael Barrientos for details 602-677-8242.
Project Child Safety provides many police departments with free firearm safety kits that include a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions. Click here to find a local police department to contact about this resource.
Vetco offers affordable, low cost vaccination services and preventative veterinary care. For a list of pricing and to locate a clinic click here.
Vaccinations are just $21 at both Arizona Humane Society locations at their weekly, walk-in vaccinations clinic every Friday. For more information click here.
Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA offers low cost vaccination during their walk-in clinic hours. For dates and times click here.
Pinal County offers $9 rabies vaccinations at their low cost clinics, for more details click here.
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona offers low cost rabies vaccinations, for more information follow this link
Security Baron is a consumer-focused website dealing in matters of security — home security, property security, cybersecurity, and more. They provide reviews, comparisons, news, and features on a variety of topics regarding security issues. One of their blog posts provides links to a number of helpful resources to help you keep your home, family, and valuables safe; click here to view blog post. Website.
Lend a Hand Program - The Lend a Hand loan program pays off high-cost car title loans up to $3,000 for Maricopa County residents. The program is a partnership between the Arizona Community Foundation, MariSol Federal Credit Union, and Take Charge America. The goal of the program is to rescue residents struggling to pay off car title loans and help put them on a path to healthy credit and financial success. For more information, click here
Phoenix Public Library Culture Pass-A Culture Pass gives a library customer FREE admission for two people at participating arts and cultural institutions.
For a resource guide of additional resources in Maricopa County click here
Community Legal Services, Inc. provides high-quality legal advice, advocacy and assistance in many areas (including housing, employment, health care, etc.) to low-income Arizonans. For more information, please go to their website at http://www.clsaz.org/family.html. Click here to see their information brochure.
For a list of additional resources in Pinal County, click here.
AZCEND has numerous programs to help families living in Chandler and Gilbert, including a food bank, a family resource center, and a community action program (financial education, referrals to other services and programs, emergency financial assistance, utility assistance, eviction prevention, housing referrals, etc.) Website
DCS Office of Prevention has a Facebook page where they share information on events, trainings, and various resources (like mobile food pantries, resource fairs, free CPR classes, job fairs, etc.). Click here to view their Facebook page.
Association for Supportive Child Care — The Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC) provides a variety of services to child care providers, families, and children. Items such as car seats and safety items are provided at the end of some specific training courses, click on their website for more information. — Website
Mesa Parent University — Mesa Parent University provides parents and caregivers with information about their vital role in shaping children's lives. — Website
Foster Club (Online) -provide parents of foster youth resources, such as training, articles, and blogs, that are youth informed to help provide perspective on how to be the best support for a young person in care-Website
Family Involvement Center was established to serve as a partner in developing a new system of care for children with emotional, physical, and/or behavioral healthcare needs in Arizona. — Website
Child Crisis Arizona provides resources for all families and community members that offer parenting classes, workshops, children's playgroups, support groups, family events and many other resources. Click here to register. Website
Duet provides educational workshops and seminars that focus on the special needs of grandparents raising grandchildren. — Website
Sesame Workshop has free video toolkits covering various topics on parenting.
Raising Special Kids Arizona exists to improve the lives of children with the full range of disabilities, from birth to age 26, by providing support, training, information and individual assistance so families can become effective advocates for their children. Website
Mercy Maricopa (Maricopa County) offers trainings regarding behavioral health topics for foster and adoptive parents visit their website for upcoming trainings.
MIKID offers an array of services to families of children with emotional and behavioral challenges. MIKID provides education, resources, and support to hundreds of Arizona families annually. Website
In-Tuned™ is committed to providing parents, caregivers, teachers and others with the education, resources and tools to help children with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and other brain-based challenges. Website
Sesame Street in Communities has information on a number of parenting topics including traumatic experiences, handling tantrums, and exploring emotions. Click here to go to Sesame Street in Communities website’s topics page.
Southwest Family Advocacy Center’s mission is to reduce the trauma of interpersonal violence through a multi-disciplinary collaboration. The center provides in person and online training on many topics including mandatory reporting, understanding trauma in children, and protecting children in the digital age. Website
You can also find trainings and workshops on our events calendar.
DCS Office of Prevention has a Facebook page where they share information on events, trainings, and various resources (like mobile food pantries, resource fairs, free CPR classes, job fairs, etc.). Click here to view their Facebook page.
HeartSavers offers CPR/First Aid for the great Phoenix area. Click here for, dates, time, locations and pricing.
American Emergency Response provides safety training and certification for the Phoenix area Click here for, dates, time, locations and pricing.
Eclipse CPR Training in Tucson, AZ has been providing American Heart Association First Aid and CPR training and certification classes for over 10 years. For more information click here.
CPR Classes are available throughout the Tucson area on this site
Click here to learn about cultural differences foster parents should expect when a child is newly placed in their care and how to embrace these cultural differences.
Click here to learn about attachment and how attachment is important for foster children.
Click here for ideas on how to foster parent a child with a different racial identity.
Click here for ideas on how to best support a child who identifies as LGBTQ.
Click here for information about ambiguous loss – what it is, what are the signs of ambiguous loss, and how to help a child with it.
Click here for information about children’s reactions to separation and loss.
Children often use behavior to communicate their needs, wants, and emotions. Click here for information on using behavior tracking sheets and some examples of behavior tracking sheets. Click here for information on how to determine the meaning or function of a child’s behavior.
Child Trends News Service (CTNS) has videos on the latest in child development research. Click here to watch videos on CTNS YouTube channel. Click here to access videos on their website.
The video “The Power of the Adolescent Brain: A TAG Talk” uses research to shine a light on adolescent brain development, functioning, and capacity and provides practical suggestions for practitioners and families with adolescents. The video can be viewed in its entirety (approximately 33 minutes), or individual sections can be viewed as follows: Section 1 (approximately 4 ½ minutes) – basic information about brain development in teenagers Section 2 (approximately 5 minutes) – positive and negative risk taking with adolescents Section 3 (approximately 7 ½ minutes) – adolescents and addiction Section 4 (approximately 4 ½ minutes) – adolescents and mental illness Section 5 (approximately 4 minutes) – how adults can help adolescents Section 6 (approximately 12 ½ minutes) – more ways adults can help adolescents
Click here for a short article about the video and links to video and helpful handouts.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s video, “Promoting Brain Gains for Youth Emerging From Foster Care,” discusses adolescent brain development and ways child welfare systems (including foster parents) inhibit or encourage opportunities for the successful transition to adulthood. Click the adjacent video to watch the clip. Click here to see their report "The Road to Adulthood: Aligning Child Welfare Practice with Adolescent Brain Development" for more information.
Click here for some recommended house safety rules.
Click here for some ideas on what you can do to protect yourself and your family from false allegations.
Click here for definitions for different types of trauma – acute, chronic, and complex; children’s responses to trauma; and how foster parents can help children heal from trauma.
Click here for information about the aftereffects of complex trauma.
Click here for information about Trauma-Informed Parenting.
Click here for information about nurturing resiliency in children, including how to identify a child’s sources of strength and support.
Click here for a sample Trauma-Sensitive Review Form (which can help foster parents review their child’s history and their current parenting styles and develop new ways to more effectively parent the child).
For help in advocating for trauma-informed behavioral health services for your child, click here.
Child Welfare Information Gateway has a fact sheet titled “Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Foster Care America program has an informative handout “Parenting After Trauma: Understanding Your Child’s Needs.” Click here to view handout.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Foster Care America program has an informative handout “Helping Children in Foster Care Make Successful Transitions into Child Care.” Click here to view handout.
Becoming and being a foster parent is stressful and it is important for you to manage this stress in a healthy way.
Click here for information about issues in fostering that increase stress.
Click here for information for ideas about developing and maintaining a support system throughout the fostering experience.
Click here for some ideas on managing stress.
Engaging in shared parenting with a child’s primary family can help the child adjust to your foster home and increase the chance of reunification. Click here for some shared parenting ideas, remembering to always abide by any guidelines provided by the child’s DCS case manager. Discuss any questions or concerns about shared parenting with the child’s DCS case manager and/or your licensing worker.
Boys Town has information on a number of subjects to help you better parent your placed child. Click here to visit their website.
Please contact the Child Abuse Hotline at (888) 767-2445 or call your local DCS office; click here for the list of DCS offices and telephone numbers.
When a child is placed in your home, you should receive the following paperwork from DCS:
If you are a foster or kinship caregiver, you should (by law) receive a completed placement packet by DCS when placed with a child. Click here to take a quick survey and let DCS know about your placement packet experience.
Foster parents provide temporary homes for children who have been removed from their homes because of abandonment, abuse or neglect. While foster parents are charged with the care of children, they are not the legal guardian of a child. The Arizona Department of Child Safety depends on foster parents to meet many expectations regarding daily care of a child in foster care. Those expectations can be found here.
Additional information about DCS’s expectations for confidentiality can be found here.
Additional information about DCS’s expectations for discipline can be found here.
We highly recommend getting the contact information for all three and having it on hand in case of an emergency. The caseworker contact information is on the Notice to Provider. You can call the assigned DCS office and ask for the supervisor and APM contact information; click here for the list of DCS offices and telephone numbers.
Some DCS contacts can be found here.
Go through the chain of command by contacting your caseworker and their supervisor. Click here for the list of DCS offices and telephone numbers. If that does not work please call the DCS Ombudsman at (602) 364-0777 or email Ombudsman@azdcs.gov
Licensed foster parents are to notify DCS and their licensing agency within 24 hours if their child has an illness, injury, change of medication, or medication error that results in seeking medical attention.
Licensed foster parents are to notify DCS and their licensing agency immediately if their child dies, has a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization, or receives urgent care or emergency room treatment and whenever emergency services (911) is contacted.
Within 24 hours of any of the above noted incidents, licensed foster parents shall complete an Unusual Incident Report form (Spanish)and submit it to their licensing agency.
Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 2 hours of the following: death of a child or hospitalization (medical or psychiatric.
Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 48 hours if the child becomes seriously ill.
If you are a licensed foster parent, R21-6-326 requires you to notify DCS and their licensing agency within 24 hours if any of the following incidents occur:
If you are a licensed foster parent, R21-6-326 requires you to notify DCS and their licensing agency immediately if any of the following incidents occur:
Within 24 hours of any of the above noted incidents, licensed foster parents shall complete an Unusual Incident Report form (Spanish) and submit it to their licensing agency.
Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 2 hours of the following: death of a child, hospitalization (medical or psychiatric), alleged abuse, or other emergency threatening the child’s placement.
Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 48 hours of the following: serious illness, death of a caregiver, change in family composition, or involvement with law enforcement.
Engaging in shared parenting with a child’s primary family can help the child adjust to your foster home and increase the chance of reunification. Click here for some shared parenting ideas, remembering to always abide by any guidelines provided by the child’s DCS case manager. Discuss any questions or concerns about shared parenting with the child’s DCS case manager and/or your licensing worker.
Foster parents are an important resource for helping foster children reunify with their parents. Click here to view a tip sheet for some practical ways you can help support reunification.
Yes, Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standards (RPPS) discuss careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the health, safety, and best interests of a child while at the same time encouraging the emotional and developmental growth of the child. Click here for a RPPS manual. Click here to view a summary table covering different categories of activities.
Foster family respite is short term care that takes place outside the home and in another licensed foster home. According to DCS policy, respite is meant:
Foster family respite Each foster family has 144 hours of respite per fiscal year. This respite is accessed through the agencies that license foster parents. If you are licensed, call your licensing worker. If you are unlicensed, the DCS website has a list of licensing agencies that serve each county. To get respite, call the licensing agencies in your county to find one that can provide respite for you.
DDD respite If your child qualifies for DDD services, then ask if your child qualifies for respite, which can be up to 600 hours (25 days) per fiscal year. Talk to your DDD coordinator about using DDD respite.
Behavioral health respite If your child is struggling with behavioral health and needs respite because of those struggles, then talk to your child's behavioral health provider about behavioral health respite, which is sometimes available up to 600 hours (25 days) per fiscal year.
Foster Care respite is accessed through the agencies that license foster parents. If you are licensed, call your licensing worker. If you are unlicensed, the DCS website has a list of licensing agencies that serve each county. To get respite, call the licensing agencies in your county to find one that can provide respite for you.
DDD Respite- Talk to your DDD Coordinator to about using DDD respite
Behavioral Health Respite-Speak to your child’s behavior health provider to coordinate respite.
Child care is available for children in care and DCS may partially or fully cover the day care fees depending on the facility you choose.
Children in foster care who are between 3 and 5 years old are also eligible for Arizona Head Start and Early Head Start for infants and toddlers.
Child Care Resource and Referral can help you find quality child care in your area.
Click here to view a list of DES approved daycare providers.
Yes, you can attend a “Kinship Information Session for DCS Foster Caregivers” to find more information about financial benefits, DCS policies, resources, and medical/dental/vision care available for the children under your care. Click here to find the next Kinship Information Session near you.
Licensing may make sense for your family if….
*Extra support includes the following:
It generally takes 4 to 6 months to get licensed as the applicants need to complete the training course (concurrent online and in-person components) in addition to having a home study written and submitted to OLR. The home study process requires multiple home visits with your licensing worker to conduct interviews and collect the required supporting documentation. Applicants must also become First Aid and CPR certified.
The Office of Licensing and Regulation (OLR) has created comprehensive materials to prepare foster families for a home inspection. Your licensing agency will also assist throughout the home inspection process and will schedule an inspection with OLR once your home is prepared.
Home inspection forms for foster homes can be found by clicking on the following links:
Home inspection forms for DDD foster homes can be found by clicking on the following links:
The Foster Alliance - Arizona Helping Hands Provides both Licensed and Kinship Foster Families throughout Arizona with the following items that are required for the OLR home inspection:
Service is by appointment only and appointments can be scheduled by calling 480-889-0604 or by visiting their website. If you are going through the licensing process, you will need to have a referral letter from your licensing agency and a government issued ID (like a drivers license). If you are a kinship foster family who is going through the licensing process, you will need to have either a referral letter from your licensing agency or a DCS Notice to Provider form along with a government issued ID (like a drivers license). Arizona Helping Hands is located in Phoenix but residents of other counties willing to travel to Maricopa County may also receive services. Website
If you are receiving TANF Cash Assistance for the child(ren) in your care, notify DES FAA so that this financial assistance can be stopped. Click here for more information.
Q: Does it cost anything to get licensed? A: While there are no fees to get licensed, you will incur some costs (for example, to see a doctor to get a Physician’s Statement completed; to become CPR and First Aid certified; etc.).
Q: I have criminal charges in my background; can I still be licensed? A: It depends upon the criminal charges. All foster parents must obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and there are some convictions that prevent this. Please click here to review the required Criminal History Self Disclosure Affidavit that provides additional information about disqualifying convictions.
Q: I have health problems; can I still be licensed? A: It depends upon your health problems. All foster parents have to get a Physician’s Statement completed and the state licensing agency (OLR) makes a licensing decision based on the information your doctor provides on this form.
Q: Do I have to own a car to be licensed? A: No, but foster parents are responsible for providing routine transportation for foster children to attend school, go to medical/dental/counseling appointments, etc. When a foster parent does not have a car, their plan for meeting foster children’s transportation needs must be explained in their home study.
Q: I am kinship provider through DCS; do I have to get licensed? A: No, you do not have to get licensed to continue caring for the placed children.
Q: I am a kinship provider through DCS; does getting licensed guarantee the children will stay with me? A: No, getting licensed does not guarantee the children will stay with you. All placement decisions are made by the DCS case manager and the courts.
Q: I am a kinship provider through DCS; can I take in other foster children once I am licensed? A: It depends upon the parameters that your licensing agency requests for your license. For example, if your license is “kinship restricted,” then you cannot take in other foster children.
Q: I am married; does my spouse have to go through the licensing process with me? A: Yes, according to Title 21 (State of Arizona’s licensing rules and regulations), married applicants must both be licensed. There are a few exceptions (for example, a spouse is in the military and will be out of home for 9 or more of the next 12 months). However, if you have been separated from your spouse for more than 1 year, you may be able to become licensed individually. Please contact your licensing agency for more information, or contact this website’s live chat option to discuss your specific situation.
A pre-adoptive parent can apply for a temporary tax ID number by submitting form W-7A to the nearest U.S. Social Security Administration office.
As a foster parent, you can get the child's Social Security card from a local U.S. Social Security Administration office. You will need to bring an original copy of the Notice to Provider and originals of the required identification documents for the child.
Form CSO-1036A on the DCS website can be notarized and then sent to the records department. The form is also available in Spanish. They will send the child's DCS records, usually in electronic CD format. The records will have information redacted that is private for other individuals.
If you have questions about obtaining DCS records for a child who is or was in foster care, email the Records Coordinator at DCSRecordsREquest@azdcs.gov or P.O. BOX 6030, Site C010-19 Phoenix, Arizona 85005 FAX: 602.255.3245
You can locate DCS form and documents here.
Fostering Advocates Arizona has provided a resource list of vital medical, educational, and personal identity records that are essential to living an independent life. To download a printable list click here.
Youth in care can obtain a driver’s license or permit, but a DCS case manager cannot sign for a driver’s instruction permit or a driver’s license. DCS will not accept responsibility for the actions of the minor when driving a motor vehicle. A foster parent may sign the application and accepts all responsibility for the minor’s actions when driving a motor vehicle. Click here to view DCS policy regarding driver’s licenses.
Arizona Law (A.R.S. 28-3162) addresses the ability for the signer (foster parent) to file a request canceling the driver’s license of the minor and, therefore, being released from liability.
Recent changes to the Motor Vehicle Division’s policies now require them to accept the DCS Notice to Providers as evidence that the foster parent may sign for a child in their care. No court order or case manager approval is required. Please contact your local Motor Vehicle Division for further assistance.
Also, a recent law change permits 16 and 17 year old foster children to purchase auto insurance for themselves. Check with local insurance companies, but State Farm, Farmers, and some independent insurance writers may write these policies, but the cost may be very high.
Yes, the following banking institutions allow a 17 year old to open an account without an adult on the account:
Washington Federal – only a savings account and ATM card
