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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: HHS DP 4-2-1-0 | Third Read 28-1-1-0House: HHS DP 11-0-0-1 |
SB 1175: DCS caseworkers; investigations; child photographs
Sponsor: Senator Werner, LD 4
Caucus & COW
Overview
Effective January 1, 2027, requires a Department of Child Safety (DCS) caseworker to photograph a child and maintain the photograph in the child's case file each time the caseworker interacts with the child, if the child is the subject of an investigation for an allegation of abuse or neglect.
History
Child welfare investigations are conducted by the Office of Child Welfare Investigation, within DCS, to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect and to assess, respond to and investigate the safety of children. DCS maintains a centralized intake hotline to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect, screens communications to determine whether a formal DCS report is required and refers those reports for investigation consistent with statutory procedures. Investigations assess the nature and extent of suspected neglect or abuse and determine whether safety actions, services or court intervention are needed to protect the child. DCS may coordinate investigations with law enforcement when allegations involve criminal conduct and may interview or observe the child, family members and other relevant individuals to gather necessary information about child safety and family function (A.R.S. §§ 8-455, 8-456 and 8-471).
Provisions
1. Requires a DCS caseworker, each time the caseworker contacts or interacts with a child who is the subject of a DCS investigation for an allegation of abuse or neglect, to photograph the child and maintain the photograph in the child's case file. (Sec. 1)
2. Instructs a DCS caseworker, when making a safety plan for a child, to review all photographs of the child and consider any decline in the child's appearance or health. (Sec. 1)
3. Makes the legislation effective on January 1, 2027. (Sec. 2)
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7. Initials AG/IG SB 1175
8. 3/24/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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