Open Meetings

Animal

Benefits/Medical Eligibility

• How do I apply for medical/financial assistance?

Benefits must be requested using an official application form. An application form may be requested from any Family Assistance Administration (FAA) local office, by phone, or by mail. The application must be returned to a FAA office. Your application will be forwarded to the appropriate office and you will be notified of its location.

• How do I find the closest office to my home?

You can call the Family Assistance Client Services line at 1-800-352-8401 to locate an office near your home. You may also log on to www.de.state.az.us/faa/contact.asp and search for an office by city or zip code.

• What do I need to bring to my initial interview for myself and family members?

1) Identification
2) Social security numbers
3) Birth certificates
4) Alien registration card
5) Name, address, and phone number of landlord or neighbor
6) Proof of any money your household received from any source in the last 30 days
7) Registration and titles for all vehicles (if you own them)
8) Bank or credit union (savings and/or checking account) statement(s) for the most recent month
9) If pregnant, proof of pregnancy
10) Proof of rent/mortgage and utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.) for the most recent month
11) Proof of childcare expenses for the most recent month
12) Proof of all medical expenses

• How long does it take to complete the application process?

From the date your signed application is received: Health Insurance applications are completed within 45 days, or within 20 days if you are pregnant, or within 7 days if you are hospitalized. Cash Assistance applications are processed within 45 days. Food stamp applications are completed within 30 days or within 7 days if you have little or no income. General assistance applications are completed within 60 days.

• How long does it take to start receiving food stamps?

Generally, food stamps are available to you within 5 business days from approval date. The eligibility determination process varies for each program and receipt of benefits can take longer. Information verification is the most time consuming activity. Bringing the proper identifying information usually speeds up the process.

• If I need childcare assistance, what should I do?

DES Child Care eligibility requirements vary with each program. To apply you must:
1. Apply for Child Care Assistance at your local DES Child Care office.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Provide verification as requested by the Child Care specialist.
4. Provide information to Child Care specialist to arrange and maintain Child Care Assistance.
5. Inform your Child Care specialist of your DES contracted provider choice.

• What are the circumstances necessary in order to receive Child Care assistance?

Keep in mind that DES Child Care eligibility requirements vary with each program. DES may provide Child Care Assistance for the following eligible activities or need:

1) Employment
2) Participation in the DES Jobs Program
3) Allowable education and training activities related to employment when you work at least an average of 20 hours per week
4) High school, GED, or remedial education classes for teen parents
5) Inability or unavailability to care for your children due to a physical, mental or emotional condition
6) Participation in a drug treatment or rehabilitation program
7) Participation in a court ordered community service program
8) Residency in a homeless or domestic violence shelter
9) As determined by a Child Protective Services (CPS) or Foster Care case plan

Child Care Assistance

• If I need child care assistance, what should I do?

DES Child Care Assistance eligibility requirements vary with each program. To apply you must:

1. Apply for Child Care Assistance at your local DES Child Care office.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Provide verification as requested by the Child Care specialist.
4. Provide information to Child Care specialist to arrange and maintain Child Care Assistance.
5. Inform your Child Care specialist of your DES contracted provider choice.

Child Protective Services (CPS)

• What should I do if I believe a child is physically abused or neglected?

If the child is in immediate life threatening danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, if you believe a child is being physically abused or neglected, you can make an anonymous report to the child abuse hotline by calling 1-888-767-2445.

• Does CPS have to investigate all reports?

Yes. CPS is required by statute to investigate all reports it receives. If CPS has received the same report numerous times in one week, then CPS must investigate each report individually.

• Can a parent or subject of a hotline report obtain a copy of the report made against them?

Yes. A parent or subject of a hotline report can request a copy of the report made against them by calling the hotline at 1-888-767-2445. CPS will send a form for the requester to complete, have notarized, and return to CPS. The reporter’s identity is always kept confidential.

• What can someone do if false reports are made about them to CPS?

Making malicious and/or false reports to CPS is prohibited by law as a class three misdemeanor. The subject of the report is held responsible for pursuing legal action against the malicious reporter. The subject of report can contact the police to report the malicious and/or false reports to CPS.

• Can CPS interview a child without a parent’s permission?

Yes. CPS can interview a child at school, or anywhere else, without a parent’s consent. CPS has six hours after the interview to inform the parent.

• Does CPS give a notice or explanation to the parent or guardian when the child is removed?

A written notice, called a Temporary Custody Notice (TCN) is given to the parent or guardian explaining why the child was removed, upon removal of the child.

• What can a parent or guardian do if they believe the child should not have been removed?

A parent or guardian can contact the Department of Economic Security (DES) Family Advocacy Office by calling 602-364-0777 or 1-877-527-0765 to review the removal of the child before the dependency petition is filed. The Family Advocacy Office accepts requests for removal reviews received within 72 hours (not counting weekends and holidays) of the child’s removal. It is recommended that the removal review request is made within 48 hours of the child’s removal.

• How much time is allowed for CPS to file a dependency petition?

CPS has 72 hours (not counting weekends and holidays) after removing the child to file a dependency petition, or return the child.

• What happens after the dependency petition is filed by CPS?

A preliminary protective hearing is held between five and seven days (not counting weekends and holidays) after the dependency petition has been filed. An attorney will be appointed prior to the hearing.

• What happens if a parent denies the allegations made by CPS?

A contested dependency hearing is completed within 90 days of serving the dependency petition.

• Is there a record of all reports made to CPS?

Yes; however, only substantiated reports are kept in the Central Registry.

• Can a report made to CPS be used later to determine foster parenting or adoption eligibility?

Only reports logged in the Central Registry can be used to evaluate fostering and adoption applications.

Child Support Enforcement

• What can I do if the non-custodial parent isn't paying child support?

You can contact the Division of child support Enforcement within the department of Economic Security. Reach them at(602) 252-4045 or Outside Maricopa County (800) 882-4151 to find the nearest office where you can apply.

• What is an ATLAS number?

The ATLAS (Arizona’s Tracking and Location Automated System) number is utilized to identify child support cases.

• Who do I call for information on my account?

Both custodial and noncustodial parents can call the Child Support Enforcement information line at 602-252-4045 or 1-800-882-4151. A personal identification number and ATLAS number are necessary for specific account information (i.e., payments, arrears, etc.) A personal identification number (PIN) can be established during the initial call to the information line, provided that the ATLAS number has been provided.

• How can I change my personal information (address, telephone number, etc.) on my child support account?

You can change your personal information on the interactive voice response system, given that you have your ATLAS number and have set up a PIN number. You can call the response system at 602-252-4045 or 1-800-882-4151, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Consumer

• How can I get telemarketers to stop calling my place of employment, home, or cellular phone?

You can register your telephone numbers with the Federal Trade Commission’s Do-Not-Call registry by calling 1-888-382-1222. You must be calling from the phone number you want to register. You can also register online at www.donotcall.gov. After you register, your phone number will show up on the registry by the next day. Telemarketers have up to 31 days to get your phone number and remove it from their call lists.

Elderly/Aging

• How do I make a complaint against a long term care facility?

The Long Term Care Ombudsman can be contacted at 602-542-4446. The primary purpose of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is to identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of residents of long term care facilities.

• What can I do if I believe an adult is being physically abused or exploited?

If you believe the adult is in life threatening danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, people can report abuse, neglect, and exploitation of Arizona’s vulnerable or incapacitated adults, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the state’s hotline, 1-877-767-2385. You may also contact the Department of Health Services for assistance at 602-674-4200.

• If I have been denied medical assistance and cannot afford the cost of my prescriptions, are there any alternative options?

The CoppeRx Card gives Medicare-eligible residents a way to get substantial discounts on prescription drug prices. Generally the card discounts range from 15 to 55 percent. The card is free of charge and is available to anyone 65 or older or disabled. You can call 1-888-227-8315 for more information.

• If I am a senior citizen and am seeking free legal advice, what should I do?

You can call the Elder Law Hotline at 1-800-231-5441. They will be able to provide free legal advice and direct you elsewhere, if necessary.

• How can I find resources that will enable me to take care of my elderly parents?

You can call the Area Agency on Aging Senior Helpline at 602-264-4357. You will talk with a trained professional who can help you find convenient transportation, health care options, homemaking or any other service that can help you and your parent. The service is free and is available 24 hours.

Employment

• If I feel that I am being discriminated against at my place of employment, where can I go for assistance?

The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office enforces civil rights laws, increases public awareness of civil rights, and provides dispute resolution services. Persons who believe they have been discriminated against should contact the Attorney General’s office by calling 602-542-5263 or 1-877-491-5742.

Financial

• What is required of me in order to receive cash assistance?

All applicants for cash assistance must sign a personal responsibility agreement and agree to the following:
1) Find and maintain a job
2) Ensure that all school age children in the family go to school
3) Make sure all school age children are immunized
4) Adhere to the requirements of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Program
5) Follow child support guidelines

• What happens if I fail to comply with the agreement for cash assistance?

1) The first month cash assistance will be cut by 25%
2) The second month cash assistance will be cut 50%
3) After the second month if noncompliance continues cash assistance will stop

• If my cash assistance is cut for noncompliance, will my food stamps be increased?

No.

• What is the difference between cash assistance and general assistance?

The Cash Assistance Program provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to children, individuals, and their families. The General Assistance Program is a short-term cash benefits program, provided to disabled persons who agree to reimburse the department out of any federal disability benefits received or to caretakers of disabled persons. The cash benefits are provided during the period an application has been filed and is pending with the Social Security Administration for federal disability benefits.

• Who can I contact if I need free assistance filing my state taxes?

You can call the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Assistance line at 602-255-3381 or 1-800-352-4090 for questions and answers to various topics regarding the Arizona Individual Income Tax returns.

• Who can I contact if I need assistance filing my federal taxes?

The IRS offers free assistance by computer, fax, telephone and in person. The IRS can help taxpayers get forms and publications and answer a wide range of tax questions. The IRS can also help find free tax preparation services for those who qualify. Volunteers help prepare basic returns for taxpayers with low or limited incomes. Taxpayers may ask tax questions or find the volunteer site nearest you by calling the toll-free customer service line at 1-800-829-1040.

• Who can help me with an unresolved federal tax problem?

If you have an ongoing issue with the IRS that has not been resolved through normal processes, or you have suffered, or are about to suffer a significant hardship/economic burden as a result of the administration of the tax laws, you can contact the Internal Revenue Service’s Taxpayer Advocate Service by calling 1-877-777-4778.

• How do I file a complaint against a bank or collection agency?

The Consumer Affairs Division of the State Banking Department investigates complaints filed against individuals suspected of engaging in unlicensed activities. They are the primary contact for the public and licensees to ask questions regarding state statutes, rules, and other authoritative guidance regarding operations of a financial institution or enterprise within the state. You can call the Banking Department at 602-255-4421 or 1-800-544-0708 to further inquire about a collection agency being licensed by the state.

Food

• How do I apply for food stamps?

Food Stamps must be requested using an official application form. An application form may be requested from any Family Assistance Administration (FAA) local office, by phone, or by mail. The application must be returned to a FAA office. Your application will be forwarded to the appropriate office and you will be notified of its location.

• How do I find the closest office to my home?

You can call the Family Assistance Client Services line at 1-800-352-8401 to locate an office near your home. You may also log on to www.de.state.az.us/faa/contact.asp and search for an office by city or zip code.

• How long does it take to start receiving food stamps?

Generally, food stamps are available to you within 5 business days of the application process being completed. The eligibility determination process varies for each program and receipt of benefits can take longer. Information verification is the most time consuming activity. Bringing the proper identifying information usually speeds up the process.

Health

• How can I obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate?

In-person requests for a birth certificate may be obtained at the State Office of Vital Records. If requesting a copy by mail, send requests to: Vital Records, P.O. Box 3887, Phoenix 85030. Allow two to four weeks for processing. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for records.

• Who can request a copy of a birth certificate?

Applicants must be 18 years old and an immediate family member of the person on the birth certificate.

• Who can request a copy of a death certificate?

Applicants must be an immediate family member, a lawyer or a funeral director acting on behalf of a family member.

• What needs to be included if requesting a birth certificate copy by mail?

All requests must include the date and place of birth, the name of the person on the certificate as well as both parents’ names including the mother’s maiden name. The relationship of the applicant to the person on the certificate, the reason for the request, and the applicant’s signature must also be provided. Mail requests must also include a copy of government issued photo identification with signature or a notary public must certify the request.

• What must be included if requesting a death certificate copy by mail?

All requests must include the name, gender, date of birth, social security number, and the name of the spouse of the person on the certificate. The applicant must include their full mailing address and relationship to the deceased. They also must include their reason for the request and their signature. All mail requests must include a copy of valid government issued photo identification with signature or a notary public must certify the request.

• How can I make a complaint against an individual in the medical or dental profession?

A complaint can be filed against a doctor or dentist if appropriate measures have not been taken. A complaint form can be obtained from the related board.

• Chiropractic Examiners,
Board of
602-864-5088
www.azchiroboard.com
• Dental Examiners,
Board of
602-242-1492
www.azdentalboard.org
• Homeopathic Board, Board of
602-542-3095, ext. 4
www.home.mindspring.com/~bhme
•Medical Board
480-551-2700
www.azmdboard.org
•Naturopathic Physicians, Board of
602-542-8242
www.npbomex.az.gov
•Nursing Board
602-889-5150
www.azbn.org
•Optometry, Board of
602-542-3095
www.asbo.state.az.us
•Osteopathic Examiners, Board of
480-657-7703
www.azosteoboard.org
• Pharmacy, Board of
623-463-2727
www.pharmacy.state.az.us
Physical Therapy Board
602-542-3095
www.ptboard.state.az.us
•Podiatry Examiners, Board of
602-542-3095
www.podiatry.state.az.us
• Psychologist Examiners, Board of
602-542-8162
www.psychboard.az.gov
• Respiratory Care Examiners, Board of
602-542-5995
www.rb.state.az.us
• X-Ray Technicians
Radiation Regulatory Agency
602-255-4845
www.arra.state.az.us

Housing

• How can I obtain a copy of the Landlord Tenant Act?

A copy of the act can be printed from the Secretary of State website www.azsos.gov.

• Are there any state agencies that govern Homeowners Associations?

No. Homeowners Associations are not regulated by a state government agency. Since they are not governmental public bodies, they are not subject to Arizona’s Open Meeting Law.  The statutory requirements governing Homeowners Associations are provided in A.R.S. § 33-1801 et seq. 

Inmate

• Who can I contact for assistance if my relative is an inmate in an Arizona State Prison facility?

You can call the Inmate Family Assistance line at 602-542-1880. The Family Assistance Program facilitates services including:

1) Helping families deal with federal, state, and local governments.
2) Working with community support agencies to assist families with problems, including eviction, medical, utility shut-off, food, clothing, and rent subsidies.
3) Maintaining car pooling and transportation information for family visits to the prisons.
4) Arranging parent/child visits, often in cooperation with community support agencies; and acting as a liaison between inmate and family when contact has been severed between them.

Arizona Revised Statutes prohibits the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens Aide from investigating inmate concerns. The Inmate Family and Friends Liaison of the Arizona Department of Corrections offers a standard process for receiving, reviewing, and responding to complaints from the public concerning inmate related issues. If the Deputy Warden and Warden have already been contacted and have not provided a satisfactory response, you can contact the Inmate Family and Friends Liaison by calling 602-364-3945 or 1-866-333-2039.

Legal

• How can I identify my local Senators and Representatives?

You must know the legislative district you live in before determining who your legislators are. If you do not know the district you live in, you can log on to www.vote-smart.org to search by your nine-digit zip code. If you do not know your nine-digit zip code, you can enter your entire address to obtain the nine-digit zip code. You will then enter the nine-digit zip code to search your district. You will be directed to a link with your district number and your local legislators. You can click on each legislator for their contact information.

If you already know the district that you live in, you can log on to www.azleg.gov and select the Senate or House members link. The website will provide you with the email address, mailing address, and telephone number of each Legislator.

• Where can I obtain a voting record of my member?

The information is not available online. You can receive that information through the House Chief Clerk’s office by calling 602-926-3032 or the Senate Secretary’s office at 602-926-4231.

• When does the legislative session begin?

Pursuant to statute section 44-1101, the legislature shall assemble at the seat of government at twelve o’clock noon on the second Monday of January each year.

• How can I find the status of a particular bill?

Log on to www.azleg.gov. Make sure the correct session is selected. If you know the bill number, type the bill number in the Bill # Search box (i.e., SB1001 or HB1001) and click “Search”. Click either the “Bill Status HTML” or “Bill Status TEXT” link for a bill’s status.

• Who can I contact if I need assistance interpreting the status of a bill?

If you need assistance interpreting the status of a bill, you may call the Senate information desk at 602-926-3559 or the House information desk at 602-926-4221.

• If I need assistance in finding an attorney, what should I do?

You can contact the Lawyer Referral Service at 602-257-4434. The service costs $35.00 per one half hour of an attorney’s time.

• If I am seeking free legal advice, what should I do?

You can call Community Legal Services at 602-258-3434. You could also try calling the Arizona State University law clinic at 480-965-6181 for free legal advice.

• If I am a senior citizen and am seeking free legal advice, what should I do?

You can call the Elder Law Hotline at 1-800-231-5441. They will be able to provide free legal advice and direct you elsewhere, if necessary.

• How can I make a complaint against my attorney?

You can write to the State Bar and complain about a lawyer’s conduct or send information to the State Bar that indicates a lawyer may have engaged in misconduct or may be incapacitated. Prior to writing to the State Bar, you can call the Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program at 602-340-7280 to discuss your problem. The complaint should be addressed to the State Bar of Arizona, Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program, 111 West Monroe St., Suite 1800, Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Open Government/Public Access

• Does the Ombudsman – Citizens’ Aide receive complaints regarding matters related to public access?

Yes, we receive complaints regarding matters related to public access laws including public records and open meeting law.  For more information, return to our home page and select public records or open meetings.

• Does the Ombudsman- Citizens’ Aide receive complaints regarding local government agencies?

 Yes, but only for matters relating to Arizona’s public access laws.

• I filed an open meeting law complaint with the Attorney General’s Open Meeting Law Enforcement Team.  Should I file one with you too?

 No.  If a complaint has been filed with the Open Meeting Law Enforcement Team, we will defer to them to handle the complaint and any investigation.

Voting

• How can I become a registered voter?

Voter registration forms can be picked up at county election offices, Motor Vehicle Division offices, welfare offices and other public offices. Online registration is also available at www.sosaz.com.

• What is required to be a registered voter?

To be eligible to vote, you must:

1) Be a United States Citizen and be able to provide proof of citizenship.
2) Be 18 years of age prior to the next general election.
3) Be able to write your name or make a mark, unless you are prevented from doing so by a physical disability.
4) Not have been convicted of a felony, unless you bring documentation that your civil rights have been restored.
5) Not have been determined by a court to be unable to make responsible decisions due to drug addiction or mental illness.