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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: HHS DP 6-1-0-0 | Third Read 28-2-0-0
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SB 1821: DCS; training; child placement; management
Sponsor: Senator Farnsworth, LD 10
Caucus & COW
Overview
Makes modifications to Department of Child Safety (DCS) oversight, audit and placement procedures and prescribes training requirements for child safety workers.
History
DCS is responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect and for providing services to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Arizona. DCS must investigate reports of abuse or neglect, coordinate with law enforcement when appropriate and provide services to children and families involved in the child welfare system. DCS is also responsible for developing policies, procedures and training for employees and contractors who perform child safety services (A.R.S. §§ 8-456, 8-802).
DCS licenses and regulates foster homes and child welfare agencies that provide out-of-home care for children who cannot safely remain in their homes. These entities must meet statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the care and supervision of children placed in foster care. DCS may place a child in a licensed foster home, kinship placement or other appropriate placement that meets the child's needs and ensures the child's health and safety (A.R.S. §§ 8-509, 8-514.02, 8-514.03).
The Auditor General is authorized to establish an audit team located in DCS to provide ongoing performance reviews and analyses. Pursuant to an audit plan reviewed by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC), the audit team may: 1) determine the validity and accuracy of information reported by DCS to the Legislature; 2) perform other reviews and analyses relating to DCS; and 3) review a specific DCS function or process (A.R.S. § 8-465).
Provisions
1. Permits the Auditor General's audit team, acting under a JLBC-reviewed audit plan, to review DCS's management of the case management system used to track the placement and location of children in DCS care, including data accuracy and system errors. (Sec. 1)
2. Allows DCS to make unannounced visits and inspections of any licensed group foster home or home where a child in the care and custody of DCS is placed in a kinship foster care setting. (Sec. 2, 4)
3. Mandates the placement of a child by DCS with a parent, relative or person with a significant relationship with the child to be the priority placement for the child. (Sec. 3)
4. Requires DCS to place newly hired child safety workers under the supervision of an experienced worker for a minimum of one year for training. (Sec. 5)
5. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 2, 3, 4, 5)
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9. Initials AG/TM SB 1821
10. 3/9/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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