Arizona Administrative Code Title 21 - CHILD SAFETY
Arizona Administrative Code – Title 21: Child Safety
Title 21 of the Arizona Administrative Code governs the Department of Child Safety (DCS). It contains the rules and regulations related to the welfare, protection, placement, and services for children who are involved with Arizona's child safety system. These rules provide the framework for how the Department of Child Safety operates in accordance with state statutes.
Key Areas Covered in Title 21
Title 21 is organized into several chapters. The major components include:
Chapter 1 – Department of Child Safety – Administration
Purpose & Applicability: Outlines the overall purpose and scope of DCS.
Definitions: Key terms used in child safety law and regulation.
Confidentiality & Records: Rules for access, use, and protection of child safety records.
Investigations: Procedures for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect.
Appeals Process: How individuals may challenge decisions made by the department (e.g., placement on the Central Registry).
Central Registry: Maintenance and listing of individuals found to have committed child abuse or neglect.
Chapter 2 – Department of Child Safety – Out-of-Home Care & Placement
Licensing of Foster Homes: Standards for foster parent qualifications, training, and certification.
Placement Procedures: How children are placed into out-of-home care, including kinship and group homes.
Monitoring & Inspections: Rules for ongoing oversight of licensed homes and placements.
Chapter 3 – Department of Child Safety – Adoption Services
Adoption Certification: Requirements and procedures for individuals seeking to adopt.
Adoption Placement: How the department selects and places children with adoptive families.
Post-Adoption Services: Supports provided to adoptive families and children.
Chapter 4 – Department of Child Safety – Service Provision
Case Management: Guidelines for case plans and family reunification services.
Behavioral Health Services: Access and coordination of mental health and therapeutic services for children.
Independent Living Program (ILP): Services for youth aging out of foster care.
Legal Authority
These rules are authorized under Arizona Revised Statutes (primarily A.R.S. § 8), which provide the statutory basis for the operation of DCS.
Accessing the Rules
You can view the full, current text of Title 21 on the official Arizona Secretary of State’s website under the Arizona Administrative Code.
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