Glossary

    A
  • The failure of a parent to provide reasonable support and to maintain regular contact with the child, including providing normal supervision. Abandoned/Abandonment includes a judicial finding that a parent has made only minimal efforts to support and communicate with the child. Failure to maintain a normal parental relationship with the child without just cause for a period of six months constitutes prima facie evidence of abandonment [ARS §8-201(1)].
  • Infliction or allowing of physical injury, impairment of bodily function or disfigurement, or the infliction of or allowing another person to cause serious emotional damage as evidenced by severe anxiety, depression withdrawal or untoward aggressive behavior and which emotional damage is diagnosed by a medical doctor or psychologist and is caused by the acts or omission of an individual having care, custody and control of a child [ARS §8-201(2)] Abuse includes: a) inflicting or allowing sexual abuse (ARS §13-1404) sexual conduct with a minor (ARS §13-1405) sexual assault (ARS §13-1406) molestation of a child (ARS §13-1410) commercial sexual exploitation of a minor (ARS §13-3552) sexual exploitation of a minor (ARS §13-3553) incest (ARS §13-3608) child prostitution (ARS §13-3212) b) physical injury that results from permitting a child to enter or remain in any structure or vehicle in which volatile, toxic or flammable chemical are found or equipment is possessed by any person for the purpose of manufacturing a dangerous drug as defined in ARS § 13-3401. c) unreasonable confinement of a child. A child, who in good faith, is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited practitioner shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be an abused child. [ARS §8-201.01(1)] A child whose parent, guardian or custodian refuses to put the child on a psychiatric medication or questions the use of a psychiatric medication shall not be considered an abused child for that reason alone. [ARS §8-201.01(2)]
  • A disorder in which a person's immune system is severely suppressed. It is caused by the HIV virus. AIDS is only one of the severe manifestations of HIV infection. It is not a disease, but a syndrome consisting of a specific complex of symptoms defined by the Centers for Disease Control.
  • The formal consideration of the status of a child in out-of-home placement. This occurs every six months and is generated and presided over by either the Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) or Department personnel. The latter occurs only when the FCRB cannot schedule its review in conformance with federal guidelines.
  • A judicial determination that a prospective adoptive parent is a fit and proper person to adopt.
  • A grant provided to a child with special needs which has been applied for through the Department. [ARS §8-41 (A)(1)]
  • A written agreement between adoptive parents and the Department that identifies special needs of the child for which maintenance payments and/or medical services will be provided by the Department.
  • A group of three or more members appointed by the Program Administrator to review all adoption subsidy cases for appropriateness of documentation and compliance with regulations.
  • Any adult or adults who are residents of Arizona, whether married, unmarried or legally separated, who qualify to adopt children or have adopted children
  • A person 18 years of age or older
  • The appropriate justice court, municipal court or criminal division of the superior court that has jurisdiction to hear proceedings concerning offenses committed by juveniles as provided in sections 8-327 and 13-501. [ARS §8-201(4)]
  • To represent the interests of the family with community agencies to participate removing barriers and obtaining services to meet identified needs
  • Any organization which provides services; this includes but is not limited to state, private nonprofit, and private for-profit organizations
  • The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System which administers Title XIX medical services for the State of Arizona. The state Department that administers the Arizona Medicaid Program, a managed care system for low income adults and children. AHCCCS distributes federal Title XIX funds for mental health and substance abuse, through the Regional Behavioral Health Authorities (RBHA); it distributes federal dollars for other medical services through the health plans, including Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP).
  • The payment structure used by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to pay for inpatient hospital admissions and outpatient hospital services.
  • The document published by AHCCCS which defines the policies and procedures applicable to Title XIX mental health and substance abuse services that the AHCCCS health plans, including the Department's Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program, and the Regional Behavioral Health Authorities must comply with and that are not in conflict with
  • The individual about whom the allegation of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of a child was made
  • The individual about whom the allegation of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of a child was made
  • The Department, in consultation with the Attorney General's Office, may forgo compliance with a licensing standard required by Department rules, and not otherwise required by law, if it is found to be in the best interests of a particular foster child to be placed in a particular home. The purpose of the standard must be otherwise fulfilled
  • Children for whom the combination of circumstances rather than the severity of any one problem is the barrier to permanent placement
  • A family who has been certified by the court or approved by an authorized entity as acceptable to adopt a child
  • An individual(s) who is related to the child to be adopted by the whole or half-blood or by marriage or adoption and is the spouse of the natural or legal parent of the child to be adopted or is the adult sibling, aunt, uncle or grandparent; is assessed by the Department as acceptable to adopt a child; and capable of meeting the childs placement needs.
  • The state agency which oversees special education programs and issues educational vouchers.
  • The state Department mandated to serve the public health needs of all Arizona residents.
  • A person designated by the Department or an agency to perform specific, identifiable work activities and functions
  • B
  • Services that primarily involve supervision and direction of the individual, but may also include services related to activities of daily living and household services incidental to, and consistent with, the behavioral health needs of the individual.
  • The designated person in CMDP who is responsible for the coordination of referrals to the RBHAs, prior authorization for non-Title XIX authorized inpatient hospital and inpatient psychiatric facility services, authorization of non-Title XIX covered psychiatric services and authorization of out of state behavioral health services for CMDP enrolled children.
  • A group care facility which is licensed as a Level III behavioral health facility by ADHS. The HGH provides a supportive, protective environment, with 24 hour supervision. Services are provided to improve or stabilize the child's behavioral health and prevent placement in a more restrictive environment. The HGH will arrange for and support off-site educational services.
  • C
  • A report regarding a child or family that is assigned for investigation or a child or family unit receiving services from DCS
  • A documented meeting between DCS and at least one other person. Case conferences may be more frequent and informal than case plan staffings
  • The planning and coordination of all services to a client by an individual who, working with members of a service team, provides assessment, identifies and obtains services, monitors, evaluates, records progress and terminates services in accordance with established time frames.
  • A CHILDS window used to document case activity, primarily contact between Department staff and other persons associated with a case.
  • The date upon which a case is assigned for initial investigation.
  • A written document which is a separate and distinct part of the case record. It identifies the permanency goal and target date, desired outcomes, tasks, time frames, and responsible parties. The case manager is responsible for the development and implementation of the case plan in consultation with the family and service team.
  • A documented meeting arranged for the purpose of sharing information, the development and/or review of the case plan, and the evaluation of services and case progress. The staffing includes the case manager, the family and members of the service team.
  • The Department's official collection of information regarding a client or family and the services provided. This may include, but is not limited to, case notes, social histories, staffing minutes, medical, psychological and educational information, legal documents, correspondence and DES forms. The case record includes an electronic and hard copy record.
  • An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which provides technical assistance, disburses Title XIX funds, and monitors AHCCCS for compliance with federal regulations.
  • A confidential registry of substantiated reports of child abuse and neglect (ARS §8-804).
  • The Department shall operate a statewide Centralized Intake "Hotline" 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to protect children by receiving incoming communications/referrals concerning suspected child abuse or neglect. The Hotline encompasses a toll-free telephone number and an electronic reporting service, specifically for the purpose of accepting communications regarding suspected child abuse or neglect.
  • An individual who is under 18 years of age; or the same as young adult for the purposes of Title IV-E Adoption Subsidy and Title IV-E Extended Foster Care when a qualified individual has attained 18 years of age but who has not yet attained 21 years of age and meets any of the following conditions: completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; enrolled in an institution which provides post-secondary or vocational education; participating in a program designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment; or is incapable of doing any of the described activities due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated information in the case plan of the young adult.
  • The CAP Fund was established by the legislature in 1982 to promote child abuse and neglect prevention. Utilizing a Request for Proposal process, CAP Fund dollars are used to contract with community agencies to provide child abuse and neglect services to children and families.
  • The provision of substitute care for a child during a portion of a day, on an ongoing basis.
  • Any agency or institution maintained by a person, firm, corporation, association or organization to receive children for care and maintenance; any institution that provides care for unmarried mothers and their children; any agency maintained by the state, or a political subdivision thereof, person, firm, corporation, association, or organization to place children or unmarried mothers in a foster home. This does not include state operated institutions or facilities, detention facilities for children established by law, health care institutions that are licensed by the Department of Health Services pursuant to title 36, chapter 4 or private agencies that exclusively provide children with social enrichment or recreational opportunities and that do not use restrictive behavior management techniques.
  • The Children's Information Library and Data Source is DCS's' automated child welfare record keeping system.
  • Preplacement information on children legally free for adoption, children partially free for adoption, children who have a plan of adoption and are to be placed out-of-state and children who are to be placed in a foster-adoptive home.
  • A registration maintained by the Department consisting of currently certified adoptive home studies.
  • A person who receives services from the Department. May also be referred to as a Participant in CHILDS
  • The interdisciplinary team of professionals who are responsible for providing continuous treatment and support to children/clients with serious mental illnesses and for locating, accessing, and monitoring the provision of mental health services. The clinical case management team shall consist of a psychiatrist, case manager, and other mental health professionals as needed, based on the eligible person's need for medically necessary services.
  • A telephone, fax or letter contact with the Child Abuse Hotline which may or maynot be a report of child abuse and neglect, a request for services or information sharing.
  • A written agreement, approved by the court, regarding communication with a child adoptee, the adoptive parents and a birth parent.
  • An individual who serves as a role-model, mentor and part of the young adult's support system. The community advisor assigned to each young adult provides encouragement, social and emotional support and offers the young adult a link with the community.
  • The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
  • The Department employee who shall be general coordinator of activities under the Compact in the State jurisdiction and who, acting jointly with like officers of other party jurisdictions, shall have power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of the Compact.
  • All states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
  • A method or technique for settling disagreements or disputes among individuals of agencies.
  • The AHCCCS health plan under DCS which provides medical and dental services for children in out-of-home care.
  • Actively implementing the case plan goal while also actively pursuing an alternative plan including adoption or legal guardianship for children in out-of-home care through a Voluntary Foster Placement Agreement or dependency action.
  • A planned set of activities implemented to ensure that potential alternate caregivers are available and prepared to care for a child on a permanent basis if the prognosis of achieving family reunification is unlikely to occur within 12 months of the child's initial removal.
  • For the purpose of a Special Needs Adoption, means a physical, mental or developmental disability that existed prior to the finalization of the adoption.
  • A document that, once signed by the parent, gives the Arizona Department of Economic Security permission to place a specific child for adoption and is irrevocable unless obtained by fraud, duress or undue influence. See also, relinquishment
  • Face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, correspondence and any other means of communication between case participants and associates, providers, Department staff, service team members, and any other person regarding the case.
  • The arrangement for providing contact between a child in out-of-home placement and his parent/caregiver, siblings, family members, other relatives, and other significant persons such as friends and former foster parents. This is accomplished as a cooperative effort among these persons, the case manager, the out-of-home care provider and the child, if age appropriate.
  • The provision of services with minimal or no interruption of time, provider, location, or modality, as appropriate for the welfare of the DCS eligible child/client, including transitioning that person between service categories or mental health systems.
  • Individuals employed by contract providers to deliver services under the terms of the contract.
  • Any private agency, institution, public agency or vendor which has executed an agreement with the Department to furnish services for monetary reimbursement.
  • Professional guidance of a nonmedical nature which assists individuals and families in dealing with a wide range of personal, situational and functional problems.
  • The Juvenile Division of the Superior Court
  • Supervision by a receiving district for a child who is placed outside of his or her home district.
  • An allegation of conduct by a parent, guardian, custodian of a child or adult member of the child victim's household, that if true, would constitute any of the following: a) A violation of section 13-3623 involving child abuse. b) A felony offense that constitutes domestic violence as defined in section 13-3601. c) A violation of section 13-1404 or 13-1406 involving a minor. d) A violation of section 1405, 13-1410 or 13-1417. e) Any other act of abuse that is classified as a felony. f) an offense that constitutes domestic violence as defined in section 13-3601 and that involves a minor who is a victim or was in imminent danger during the domestic violence
  • 1. Youth between the ages of 8-17 involved in the delinquency system that are subsequently referred to the child welfare system, who fall within the definition of child abuse and/or neglect 2. Youth who have an open DCS case (services only, voluntary foster care, in-home intervention/dependency or out of home dependency) and are subsequently referred to the juvenile court for an alleged delinquency, whether placed in diversion or referred for court involvement
  • A person, other than a parent or legal guardian, who stands in loco parentis (a person who has been treated as a parent by a child and who has formed a meaningful parental relationship with a child for a substantial period of time) to the child or a person to whom legal custody of the child has been given by order of a court of competent jurisdiction [ARS §8-201(8)].
  • D
  • The Department of Child Safety
  • Includes all information the Department gathers during the course of a an investigation, from the time a report is opened and until the report/case is closed. DCS information does not include information that is contained in child welfare agency licensing records. [ARS §8-807(U)(1)]
  • A person who has been selected by and trained under the requirements prescribed by the Department and who assists in carrying out the provisions of child safety services. [ARS §8-801(1)]
  • The Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Economic Security
  • Placement of a child in an adoptive home more than 90 days after the Home Study Case Conference resulting in the identification of the placement
  • A proceeding in the juvenile court to determine whether a juvenile has committed a specific delinquent act as set forth in a petition. [ARS §8-201(9)]
  • An act by a juvenile that if committed by an adult would be a criminal offense or a petty offense, a violation of any law of this state, or of another state if the act occurred in that state, or a law of the United States, or a violation of any law that can only be violated by a minor and that has been designated as a delinquent offense, or any ordinance of a city, county or political subdivision of this state defining crime. Delinquent act does not include an offense under section 13-501, subsequent A or B if the offense is filed in adult court. Any juvenile who is prosecuted as an adult or who is remanded for prosecution as an adult shall not be adjudicated as a delinquent juvenile for the same offense. [ARS §8-201(10)]
  • The act of refusing to issue a license to an applicant.
  • The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS)
  • The formal legal petition requesting the Court to adjudicate a child dependent
  • A child who is adjudicated one or more of the following: · in need of proper and effective parental care and control and has no parent or guardian, or one who has no parent or guardian willing to exercise or capable of exercising such care and control. · destitute or who is not provided with the necessities of life, including adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or whose home is unfit for him by reason of abuse, neglect, cruelty or depravity by either of his parents, his guardian or other person having his custody or care. · under the age of 8 years who is found to have committed an act that would result in adjudication as a delinquent or incorrigible child if the act was committed by an older child. · Incompetent or not restorable to competency and who is alleged to have committed a serious offense as defined in Section 13-604. [Applies to delinquent children under ARS § 8-201(11)] A dependent child does not include a child who in good faith is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited practitioner if none of the circumstances described above exists. [ARS §8-201(13), ARS §8-201.01(1)] A child whose parent, guardian or custodian refuses to put the child on a psychiatric medication or questions the use of a psychiatric medication shall not be considered a dependent child for that reason alone[ARS §8-201.01(2)]
  • The Arizona Department of Economic Security.
  • Allowable amounts established by the Department to pay for the provision of medical, dental, psychological and psychiatric care for client children.
  • The temporary confinement of a juvenile who requires secure care in a physically restricting facility that is completely surrounded by a locked and physically secure barrier with restricted ingress and egress for the protection of the juvenile or the community pending court disposition or as a condition of probation. [ARS §8-201(14)]
  • Treatment services that are provided to reduce physical dependence on alcohol, drugs or other substances through the use of therapeutic procedures, including medications, rest, diet, counseling or medical supervision.
  • Either a strongly demonstrated potential that a child under the age of six years is developmentally disabled or will become developmentally disabled, as determined by a test performed pursuant to ARS §36-694 or by other appropriate tests, or a severe, chronic disability which is: •attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism; •manifested before age 18; •likely to continue indefinitely; •results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: ■Self-care ■Receptive and expressive language ■Learning ■Mobility ■Self-direction ■Capacity for independent living ■Economic self-sufficiency •reflects the need for a combination and sequence of individually planned or coordinated special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services which are lifelong or extended in duration. [ARS §36-551(15)]
  • Policy Upon receipt of a Department of Child Safety (DCS) report by a local office, a DCS Program Supervisor, OCWI Manager, or other designated staff acting in a supervisor role shall assign one of the following dispositions: • Field investigation; •Field Investigation Unknown Report; or •No jurisdiction.
  • A child who is found to be dependent or temporarily subject to court jurisdiction pending an adjudication of a dependency petition and who is alleged or found to have committed a delinquent or incorrigible act.
  • E
  • The mechanism for transferring funds for a child's education from the state's public school system to an approved private school in a residential facility (RTC). Vouchers cover funding for both special and nonspecial education.
  • Maintained in CHILDS and includes window data and electronically created documents.
  • The requirements an individual or family must meet to receive services funded by the Department.
  • An individual or family who meets all the requirements for receiving a service
  • Services provided in coordination by the Department to protect a child who is at imminent risk of maltreatment.
  • A condition which impedes the ordinary developmental progress of the child as defined by accepted psychiatric or psychological standards and as diagnosed by one or more psychiatrists or psychologists approved by the Department. [ARS §8-141(A)(7)]
  • The Department of Child Safety, Department of Juvenile Corrections or a Child Welfare Agency that has been granted legal care, custody and control of a child by order of the juvenile court and that is responsible for securing inpatient psychiatric acute care services or residential treatment services for a child. Entity includes a probation Department or juvenile detention center that either recommends or is ordered by the court to provide inpatient psychiatric acute care services or residential treatment services for a child.
  • A 1972 amendment to Title XIX (Medicaid) requiring screening, diagnostic, and treatment services at periodic intervals and as medically necessary to be offered, upon request, to all eligible children. A 1989 amendment to Title XIX expanded EPSDT to include additional medical services, mental health and substance abuse services.
  • A study of a home for an identified purpose which describes family members, the home and community, and relates its findings and recommendations to the needs of the child or children for who the study is requested.
  • A CHILDS window function that allows for narrative entry for further details.
  • Use of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian for material gain which may include forcing the child to panhandle, steal or perform other illegal activities.
  • F
  • Persons, including at least one child, related by blood or law, or who are legal guardians of a child, or who reside in the same household. Where persons related by blood or law do not reside in the same household and where adults other than spouses reside together, each may be considered a separate family when it is to the benefit of the child. Family includes both parents regardless of whether they are living together for case planning purposes.
  • Any person providing out-of-home care in a family home. Includes relatives, significant persons and licensed foster homes.
  • Includes relative, significant person/other, family foster home, and treatment foster homes.
  • A home maintained by any individual or individuals having the care or control of minor children, other than those related to each other by blood or marriage, or related to such individuals, or who are legal wards of such individuals [ARS §8-501(A)(4)].
  • The assessment and management of child safety is initiated during the initial contact with the family and is continued throughout the investigation. The purpose of the Family Functioning Assessment is to gather sufficient and relevant information to make an informed decision about whether the child is safe or unsafe. The Family Functioning Assessment and analysis of information guides the DCS Specialist’s decisions about the child’s safety and what, if any, actions should be taken to protect the child
  • A family foster care facility licensed for placement of more than five minor children but not more than ten minor children.
  • Family Preservation services are directed to reduce risk factors and stabilize a family unit in response to a crisis event when there is significant risk to the family. These services include an intensive level of intervention to successfully meet the crisis needs of the family or to reunify children who are in non-permanent placement. The services are provided through contracts with private providers.
  • Family Support Services are preventative services provided on a proactive basis to improve the well being of families, enhance family functioning, and foster a sense of self reliance. The services are provided through contracts with private providers.
  • Disposition a report as Field Investigation Unknown Report when the family name is unknown but there is other identifying information, such as an address or location. The DCS Specialist or OCWI Investigator is required to respond to the DCS report based on the information provided and within the report response time frame. When the name of the family is determined, search CHILDS to determine if the family already has a history with DCS. •If there is a case history or a case ID for the family, the DCS Program Supervisor will link the current report to the existing case and change the disposition to Field Investigation. •If there is no case history or case ID for the family, the DCS Specialist or OCWI Investigator will update all unknown participants with their correct names and identifying information, and the DCS Program Supervisor or OCWI Manager will create a new case and change the disposition to Field Investigation.
  • Result of an investigation stated as proposed substantiated, proposed substantiated pending dependency adjudication, proposed substantiated perpetrator unknown, proposed substantiated perpetrator deceased, unable to locate, or unsubstantiated.
  • The period of time from July 1st through June 30th.
  • The placement of a child whose case plan goal is adoption and who is not legally free for adoption, in a home of a family that is certified as acceptable to adopt and licensed as a foster home by the Department.
  • Alternative care for children in non-parent relative placements, family foster homes, group homes or child welfare agencies. See also Out-Of-Home Care.
  • A setting licensed to provide out-of-home care to children, including licensed relative placements, foster homes, group homes and child welfare agencies.
  • Any person or agency licensed to provide out-of-home care for children.
  • A child placed in a foster home or child welfare agency. [ARS §501(A)(3)]
  • Any adult individual or individuals maintaining a licensed foster home. [ARS §8-501(A)(5)]
  • The adoption of a child by his or her current foster parents who became certified to adopt after the child was placed in the home for foster care purposes
  • A person who requests consideration as a prospective foster or adoptive parent by completing the required application forms. Foster Care licensing includes both spouses of the adult household, if caregivers are married.
  • G
  • A licensed, agency-administered group home, therapeutic group home, residential treatment center (RTC) or mobile program.
  • A group care facility that provides 24 Hour supervision within a group setting. Therapeutic services are generally provided off site.
  • A person who has qualified as a guardian of a minor pursuant to testamentary or court appointment, but excludes one who is merely a guardian ad litem. [ARS §14-5201 et seq. and ARS §8-531(9)]
  • A person appointed by the court to protect the interest of a minor or an incompetent person in a particular case before the court. [ARS 8-531(7)]
  • With respect to a minor, means the duty and authority to make important decisions in matters affecting the minor including but not necessarily limited either in number or kind to: a) The authority to consent to marriage, to enlistment in the armed forces of the United States and to major medical, psychiatric and surgical treatment, to represent the minor in legal actions, and to make other decisions concerning the child of substantial legal significance. b) The authority and duty of reasonable visitation, except to the extent that such right of visitation has been limited by court order. c) The rights and responsibilities of legal custody, except where legal custody has been vested in another individual or in an authorized agency. d) When the parent-child relationship has been terminated by judicial decree with respect to the parents, or only living parent, or when there is no living parent, the authority to consent to the adoption of the child and to make any other decision concerning the child which the childs parents could make. [ARS §8-531(8)]
  • H
  • A paper file that is maintained at the local office and includes: Documents generated outside DCS; Documents that require signatures from individuals outside DCS; and Hard Copy forms not maintained electronically.
  • A person who is certified or licensed pursuant to section 32-3201. Health professionals include physicians and nurses.
  • While the legal definition of "health profession" includes many different profession associated with the healthcare industry, CPS will accept a SEN determination or FAS/FAW diagnosis only from the following health professional -Physicians/Surgeons; -Nurse Practitioners; or -Physician Assistants acting under the direction of a Physician/Surgeon
  • A practitioner licensed by the State of Arizona or other state to provide physical or mental health services, or others approved by the Department as having the appropriate credentials to carry out the service, practicing within the scope of such credentials.
  • Healthy Families Arizona (HFAz) is a community-based, multi-disciplinary program serving families of newborns, and is designed to reduce stress, enhance family functioning, promote child development, and minimize the incidence of abuse and neglect within a multi-cultural environment. Family Support Specialists visit new parents in their home anywhere from weekly to quarterly according to their level of need. Participation may continue until the child reaches five years of age.
  • A potentially debilitating condition, as defined by accepted standards of the health service profession, as certified by one or more health service providers approved by the Department. [ARS §8-141(A)(9)]
  • The development of significant emotional ties to the foster family as documented by the child's case manager and as diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist approved by the Department [ARS §8-141(A)(10)]. These ties include: · Identification of the child as a member of the foster family or relative family · Identification by the foster family or relative family of the child as belonging to that family · The likelihood that the child will not establish significant emotional ties to another family if denied permanent placement with the foster family, or relative family. [ARS § 8-141(A)(8)]
  • Is the acronym for human immunodeficiency virus. This is the name for the virus which causes AIDS. The virus causes a deficiency in the human immune system, the body's natural defense against disease. HIV progressively damages the immune system and leaves its victims unable to fight off even small infections.
  • Means that a blood test has indicated the presence of antibodies to the HIV virus. This means that at some point the person has been infected with the virus and the immune system has responded by producing antibodies. People who have the antibody but are otherwise asymptomatic for AIDS are referred to as "HIV positive only". This condition does not inevitably begin a progression to AIDS, although it may. These people are capable of transmitting the virus through high risk behaviors.
  • the person in each district designated to be a resource person regarding HIV/AIDS issues. This person is to be included in all decisions regarding HIV/AIDS testing, should be made aware of test results, and should be consulted regarding placement of children who are HIV positive or diagnosed with AIDS.
  • Are those behaviors and/or reasons that put an individual at risk for contracting the AIDS virus: a. Voluntary risk behaviors i. The sharing of needles and syringes ("works") for the purpose of intravenous drug use since 1978. ii. Unprotected sexual activities with single or multiple partners who are infected or whose HIV status is unknown. b. Non-behaviorial reasons that put an individual at risk i. Children of mothers who are infected and/or whose mothers engaged in high risk behaviors ii. Children and youth who have been involuntary sex partners (victims of sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, etc.) of individuals who are infected. iii. Hemophiliacs, because of their need for transfusions or blood products; the risk to this population, however, has been greatly reduced since the testing of all blood and blood products was instituted in March, 1985.
  • The High Level Client Index Number. A unique identification number assigned to each participant in CHILDS who is the recipient of a service.
  • Training and/or instruction in activities related to routine household maintenance and family functioning.
  • I
  • An observable family condition or specific behavior, emotion, attitude, perception or situation that may not be occurring now in the present, but is likely to occur within the next 30 days and will likely result in serious or severe harm to a child
  • A program of services provided while the child is still in the custody of the parent, guardian or custodian. (ARS §8-891)
  • The placement of a child in the home of the child's parent or legal guardian.
  • Respite care provided by a licensed foster parent in a home that is not that individual's own home.
  • A case in which all children remain within the family home while the Department provides services and in which a dependency petition has not been filed.
  • Verbal, written, or in-person contact to Child Protective Services.
  • A child who is: a) Is adjudicated as a child who refuses to obey the reasonable and proper order or directions of a parent, guardian or custodian and who is beyond the control of that person. b) Is habitually truant from school as defined in section 15-803, subsection C. c) Is a runaway from the childs home or parent, guardian or custodian. d) Habitually behaves in such a manner as to injure or endanger the morals or health of self or others. e) Commits any act constituting an offense that can only be committed by a minor and that is not designated as a delinquent act. f) Fails to obey any lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction given in a non-criminal action. [ARS §8-201(15)]
  • An array of services that prepare young adults for attaining independence and self-sufficiency in the community.
  • A program for young adults in foster care which offers them the opportunity to experience community living while still receiving services from the Department. This placement option, authorized by ARS §§8-845(A)(8) and 8-521, serves dependent youth 17 years of age and older and young adults who remain in care voluntarily after age 18.
  • A specific plan developed by the RBHA case manager and the clinical case management team, with the participation of the DES case manager, to identify and facilitate appropriate mental health services for a DES eligible child. It must include treatment goals, specific services and units of delivery, service cost, anticipated time frames, and identified providers. The ISP will be incorporated as the mental health portion of the child welfare case plan and is subject to authorization and approval as required.
  • A federal law which mandates a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities. It outlines services and procedural safeguards for children needing special education.
  • A child under the age of one year.
  • An incoming communication without sufficient identifying information or content to constitute a report. Information is given, and/or an individual is directed to an appropriate resource.
  • Information as entered on the CHILDS Case Management Information System pertaining to a particular report, up to the point of disposition.
  • An action by CPS to determine whether a child, who is or may be a victim of abuse or neglect, is currently safe. The initial response is determined by the highest assigned Response Time.
  • includes all of the following: a.the observation of a child's behavior while the child is in an inpatient assessment facility. b.psychological or psychiatric testing, if indicated. c.a determination as to whether a child needs inpatient psychiatric acute care services and whether inpatient psychiatric acute care services are the least restrictive available alternative. d.the administration of psychotropic medication and medication monitoring, if necessary to complete the assessment or to prevent the child from being a danger to self or others. e.a written report that summarizes the results of an inpatient assessment, including specific recommendations for follow-up care. f.a psychiatric or psychological assessment, including a clinical interview with a child. g.an explanation to a child of the least restrictive alternatives available to meet the child's mental health needs. h.a determination as to whether the child may be suffering from a mental disorder, is a danger to self or others or is persistently or acutely disabled or gravely disabled as defined in section 36-501. i.a review of a child's medical, social and psychological records, if available.
  • Refer to Psychiatric acute care facility.
  • A pre-application form given to prospective applicants that compiles information used to evaluate the prospective applicants interest, commitment and desire to make application to adopt or foster children through DES.
  • The initial process of screening, receiving, investigating and recording information for the purpose of determining risk to children and the need for protection and services.
  • Intensive Family Services (also known as AFPS) is a program that provides services to families whose children are at immediate risk of foster care placement due to abuse or neglect. The program uses a crisis intervention approach providing a range of intensive, behaviorally-oriented services such as counseling, family therapy, communication skills, and parent education services in the family's own home. The services are provided through contracts with private providers.
  • Treatment services that are outlined in a child's individual treatment plan and that provide planned, structured and coordinated therapeutic goals
  • A person granted the right to notice of and participation in any review or hearing concerning the child, the right to review all pleadings, and the right to receive reports submitted to the court by the case manager.
  • A written contract between two separate agencies or departments, obligating designated employees of the agencies/departments to follow specified procedures, standards, roles, and duties for a specified time. These collaborative documents are reviewed and refined by legal representatives of both departments/agencies and are signed by the administrators of those departments/agencies.
  • Any movement of a child from one state to another state for the purpose of establishing a suitable living environment and providing necessary care
  • The process by which allegations of abuse or neglect, abandonment or exploitation are either found proposed substantiated, proposed substantiated pending dependency adjudication, proposed substantiated perpetrator unknown, proposed substantiated perpetrator deceased, unable to locate, or unsubstantiated. The process includes determining: • the nature, extent and cause of any condition which would tend to support or refute the allegation that the child should be adjudicated dependent; •the name, age and condition of other children in the home; and •whether any child is in need of protective services Investigation/Safety Assessment Process: Gathering information to assess current risk to a child which includes, but is not limited to: · Review of prior CPS reports/other records · Worker's observation(s) and/or assessment · Face-to-face and/or phone interviews · Collateral sources which may be persons or documents · Documentation of the process, review and approval by the CPS Unit Supervisor
  • J
  • See child
  • The juvenile division of the superior court when exercising its jurisdiction over children in any proceedings relating to delinquency, dependency or incorrigibility. [ARS §8-201(17); ARS 8-531(9)]
  • K
  • means the full time care of a child, who is in the care, custody and control of the Department, who is placed with a kinship foster caregiver.
  • means an adult relative or person who has a significant relationship with a child, who is caring for a child, who is under the care custody and control of the Department. A relative means grandparent; great grandparent; brother or sister; aunt or uncle; or cousin.
  • L
  • A peace officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, municipal police officer or constable. [ARS § 8-201(18)]
  • That setting which offers the most family-like atmosphere which is compatible with the needs of the child.
  • A status embodying all the following rights and responsibilities: a) The right to have physical possession of the child. b) The right and the duty to protect, train and discipline the child. c) The responsibility to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care, provided that such rights and responsibilities shall be exercised subject to the powers, rights, duties and responsibilities of the guardian of the person and subject to the residual parental rights and responsibilities if they have not been terminated by judicial decree. [ARS §531(5)]
  • A man who was married to the mother of a child at the time of the child's birth or who was married to the child's mother any time in the ten months immediately preceding such birth.
  • A child who is eligible for adoption because all legal parents or guardians have either consented to adoption, had their parental rights terminated by the court, or died.
  • The degree of monitoring and directing required based upon the age, level of maturity, and the special needs of the child as agreed upon by the child's case manager and the care provider. The "level of supervision" required can range from being left alone for short periods of time to a need for the child to have constant monitoring and direction.
  • A behavioral health service agency that is licensed by the Department of Health Services and that provides a structured treatment setting with twenty-four hour a day supervision and an intensive treatment program
  • A document issued by the Department confirming that the applicant(s) have met the standards for the provision of foster care or group care and are authorized to conduct specified services.
  • means a person or persons licensed under A.A.C. R5-6-5801 et. seq., Family Foster Parent Licensing Requirements, to provide care for up to five children who are in the care, custody and control of the Department.
  • means a person or persons licensed under A.A.C. R5-6-5901 et. seq., Group Foster Home Licensing Standards, to provide care for more than five children but not more than ten children who are in the care, custody and control of the Department.
  • A person designated by the Department or an agency to perform specific work activities and functions related to licensing, supervision, support, and monitoring of foster or group care homes.
  • A residential treatment center, Level I facility, licensed to care for children and provide behavioral health services, on a 24 hour basis, which utilizes secure settings or mechanical restraints. A court order for inpatient treatment is required for placement of a dependent child within such a facility.
  • a person who has been treated as a parent by a child and who has formed a meaningful parental relationship with a child for a substantial period of time
  • M
  • Monthly money payments for the cost of care and supervision of the foster child, or monthly money payments for the extra time and expense of caring for a special needs child on Adoption Subsidy.
  • Abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of a child.
  • An individual who is required to report child abuse or neglect under ARS §13-3620.
  • The card issued by the Contract Provider for use in the purchase of all covered services.
  • An inherent, long-lasting severe physical or mental condition which often interferes with daily functioning and/or requires special attention and on-going medical, surgical or psychiatric care.
  • Under the statutory limitation of the Adoption Subsidy Program, medically necessary services are provided to prevent the progression of disease, disability and other adverse health conditions identified on the subsidy agreement, which are provided by a qualified service provider within the scope of his/her practice under state law or certification, whichever is applicable.
  • Medication review for adjustment and/or continuing treatment for an individual, as performed by a qualified professional, including Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician's Assistant, or Registered Nurse who is licensed in accordance with A.A.C. Title 20.
  • A lifelong condition which is characterized by impaired intellectual development and impedes the ability to function independently. [ARS §8-141(A)(11)]
  • Standards established by AHCCCS, Department of Human Services, federal law, state statutes and rules and any subsequent amendments, defining the policies and procedures applicable to Title XIX mental health and substance abuse services.
  • Specific circumstances that may allow for a slower response in a standard response time for Risk Level 1, 2, and 3 reports.
  • A group care facility that provides 24 hour care, and which is situated in and utilizes the outdoors to provide a recreational and educational opportunity in group living
  • The process of reviewing service providers for compliance with requirements.
  • A team of professionals which may include, but is not limited to, a physician, psychologist, law enforcement representative, assistant attorney general and district program manager or designee. This group meets regarding selected cases with the assigned case manager, supervisor, other service team members and the family, as appropriate. The purpose is to share information and to assess and diagnose particularly complex and difficult case situations in order to make recommendations regarding the development or review of a case plan.
  • N
  • A child who is a member of, or eligible for membership in a tribe, as defined by the tribe.
  • Means an act that, as certified by a physician, including the child's treating physician places a child in serious or critical condition. [ARS 8-807(T)(2)]
  • Refers to the need for a person to know the HIV status of a child and is based on direct responsibility or accountability for care of the child, or involvement in an activity directly related to the child.
  • The inability or unwillingness of a parent, guardian or custodian of a child to provide that child with supervision, food, clothing, shelter or medical care if that inability or unwillingness causes unreasonable risk of harm to the child's health or welfare, except if the inability of a parent or guardian to provide services to meet the needs of a child with a disability or chronic illness is solely the result of the unavailability of reasonable services.[ARS §§8-201(22)]. A child, who in good faith, is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited practitioner shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be a neglected child. [ARS §8-201.01(1)] A child whose parent, guardian or custodian refuses to put the child on a psychiatric medication or questions the use of a psychiatric medication shall not be considered a neglected child for that reason alone. [ARS §8-201.01(2)] Permitting a child to enter or remain in any structure or vehicle in which volatile, toxic or flammable chemicals are found or equipment is possessed by any person for the purposes of manufacturing a dangerous drug as defined in section 13-3401. A determination by a health professional that a newborn infant was exposed prenatally to a drug or substance listed in section 13-3401 and that this exposure was not the result of a medical treatment administered to the mother or the newborn infant by a health professional. This subdivision does not expand a health professional's duty to report neglect based on prenatal exposure to a drug or substance listed in section 13-3401 beyond the requirements prescribed pursuant to 13-3620, subsection E. The determination by the health professional shall be based on one or more of the following: Clinical indicators in the prenatal period including maternal and newborn presentation. History of substance use or abuse. Medical history. Results of a toxicology or other laboratory test on the mother or the newborn infant. Diagnosis by a health professional of an infant under one year of age with clinical findings consistent with fetal alcohol syndrome or fetal alcohol effects. Deliberate exposure of a child by a parent, guardian or custodian to: sexual conduct as defined in section 13-3551, sexual contact, oral sexual contact, or sexual intercourse as defined in section 13-1401, bestiality as prescribed in section 13-1411, or explicit sexual materials as defined in section 13-3507. Any of the following acts committed by the child's parent, guardian or custodian with reckless disregard as to whether the child is physically present: sexual contact as defined in section 13-1401, oral sexual contact as defined in section 13-1401, sexual intercourse as defined in section 13-1401, bestiality as prescribed in section 13-1411.
  • An infant under 30 days of age.
  • After contacting the appropriate jurisdiction, if it is determined that the Department will not have a role in investigating the report (for example, when the family resides on an American Indian Tribal land, or upon confirming that a statute or court order prohibits the Department from taking investigative action) the DCS Program Supervisor or OCWI Manager will disposition the report as No Jurisdiction.
  • Those reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees and expenses which are directly related to the legal process of adoption of a child with special needs, meet federal requirements, and are not reimbursed by other sources, including costs relating to the adoption study, health and psychological examinations, supervision of the placement before the adoption, transportation and reasonable costs of lodging, and food for the child or adoptive parents which are incurred to complete the adoption process.
  • O
  • Issues licenses and regulates more than 5,000 individuals and organizations providing a variety of services for children and vulnerable adults. These services include: •Family foster home care and developmental home care •Group homes, emergency shelters, and outdoor wilderness programs for children & youth •Home & community based services for individuals with developmental disabilities (including habilitation, respite, and therapies
  • provides social securit benefits for children who have on or more dceased parents or social security benefits for a child who have a parent who is viewed as disabled by Social Security Administration
  • Are infections that are not a threat to a healthy immune system but that could be fatal to a person who has AIDS. The opportunistic infections most commonly associated with AIDS are: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP); Kaposi's sarcoma (KS); candidiasis (yeast infections); disseminated cytomegolovirus (CMV); unusually extensive herpes of prolonged duration; toxoplasmosis; and mycobacterial disease due to illness, both tuberculosis (TB) and atypical mycobateria.
  • The individual about whom the allegation of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of a child was made
  • Instructions and information provided to employees, volunteers, and contract personnel at the time they assume service responsibilities.
  • See Out-of-home placement.
  • A person or agency authorized by the Department to provide care or control of a child in out-of-home care.
  • The placement of a child with an individual or agency other than the child's parent or legal guardian. This includes the following: · placement in temporary custody [ARS §8-221(A) or (B)] · voluntary placement (ARS §8-806) · placement due to dependency action. [ARS §8-501(A)(7)]
  • Respite care that is provided out of the child's home and in the home of the respite provider. This may include a shelter care facility.
  • Includes all of the following: a.a psychiatric or psychological assessment, including a clinical interview with a child b.an explanation to a child of the least restrictive alternatives available to meet the child's mental health needs. c.a determination as to whether the child may be suffering from a mental disorder, is a danger to self or others or is persistently or acutely disabled or gravely disabled. d.a review of a child's medical, social and psychological records, if available. e.a determination as to whether the child needs an inpatient assessment or inpatient psychiatric acute care services and whether an inpatient assessment or inpatient psychiatric acute care services are the least restrictive available alternative.
  • P
  • The natural or adoptive mother or father of a child. [ARS §8-531(A)(10)]
  • Includes all the rights, privileges, duties and obligations existing between parent and child, including inheritance rights. [ARS §8-531(11)]
  • A paraprofessional who functions as a member of a team to provide parent aide services in support of a case plan. Parent aides may be Department employees, volunteers, or employees of a parent aide services contract provider.
  • A range of support services which may include teaching and modeling of parenting and home management skills, teaching the use of informal and formal community resources, and transportation tasks.
  • Emphasis of parental participation throughout all phases of case planning.
  • The provision of instruction and/or modeling to enhance parental functioning.
  • Therapeutic activities including those which promote coping, problem-solving and socialization skills, and offer regular activities for individuals requiring supportive counseling, skills, training and rehabilitation. This service is provided as a half day (minimum 3 hours) or full day (minimum 5 hours).
  • Regularly scheduled program of intensive therapeutic activities, including a variety of treatment modalities such as individual, group, and/or family therapy, cognitive and psychodynamic strategies addressing the individual's issues, and treatment related activities intended to reduce the need for more intensive services. This service is provided as a half day (minimum 3 hours) or full day (minimum 5 hours).
  • A person who is a recipient of service and member of a case (see client).
  • Includes the child, the petitioners and any parent of the child required to consent to the adoption pursuant to section 8-106. [ARS §8-531(12)]
  • For the purpose of adoption petitioning and guardianship subsidy, a legal guardian appointed by the court pursuant to ARS §8-871.
  • An alleged abusive caregiver or other person, a child victim or a child victim's parent or legal guardian.
  • Includes the name, address, date of birth, social security number, tribal enrollment number, telephone or fax number, driver license number, places of employment, school identification or military identification number or any other distinguishing characteristic that tends to identify a particular person.
  • A written statement of the essential facts that allege delinquency, incorrigibility or dependency. [ARS §8-201(22)]
  • Chronically debilitating, progressive or fatal disease which requires assistance for the child in daily living, or requires the assistance of another person or mechanical device for movement from place to place, and is diagnosed by one or more health service providers [ARS § 8-141(A)(12)].
  • An individual licensed to practice medicine or medicine and surgery (including an osteopathic practitioner), a podiatrist or an optometrist. The term shall include such individuals who have been granted a license to practice by the appropriate regulatory board of the State of Arizona and shall include them only when they are practicing within the scope of such license. "Physician" means a person who is licensed pursuant to Title 32, Chapter 13 or 17.
  • A person licensed with this title by a state.
  • The current residence or location of a child. This includes the parent's home, a foster home, significant person's home, adoptive home, child care agency, institution, hospital or medical facility
  • One or more special needs which existed before the finalization of adoption.
  • An immediate, significant and clearly observable family condition that has resulted in or will likely result in serious or severe harm to a child now and requires immediate action in order to ensure child safety before any further interviews or assessment can take place
  • The place where the child resides on a 24 hour basis.
  • Authorization required by the contract provider before certain covered services are rendered.
  • The information gathered during the investigation would lead a reasonable person to believe that an incident of abuse or neglect occurred, and that the abuse or neglect was committed by the parent, guardian or custodian.
  • The Department shall consider a report proposed substantiated after an investigation, when the information gathered during the investigation supports that an incident of abuse or neglect occurred based upon a probable cause standard.
  • The Department shall consider a report proposed substantiated pending dependency adjudication when a dependency petition is filed alleging dependency based on an allegation of abuse or neglect.
  • The Department shall consider a report proposed substantiated perpetrator deceased after an investigation when the evidence supports than an incident of abuse or neglect occurred based upon a probable cause standard, and the abusive parent, guardian or custodian dies prior to entry of the finding.
  • The Department shall consider a report proposed substantiated perpetrator unknown after an investigation when the information gathered during the investigation supports that an incident of abuse or neglect occurred based upon a probable cause standard and the abusive parent, guardian or custodian cannot be identified.
  • a grandparent or another member of the child’s extended family including a person who has a significant relationship with the child; a person or persons with an expressed interest in being the permanent placement for the child in a certified adoptive home where the child resides; a home that is a permanent placement for a sibling of the child; or a licensed family foster home where the child resides.
  • A foster home license established on a conditional basis, not to exceed six months, when the foster parent applicant(s) have completed all licensing requirements other than initial or ongoing training. [ARS §8-509(D)]
  • A facility that is licensed by the Department of Health Services as a level one behavioral health facility and that provides psychiatric acute care services.
  • Any of the following: (a) emergency or crisis behavioral health services (b) psychiatric and psychological assessments and short-term intensive behavioral health counseling and treatment for acute episodes or mental disorders (c) medication stabilization and twenty-four hour a day nursing care for a child who suffers from acute psychiatric or mental disorders or who needs to have a chronic mental illness stabilized
  • A specific assessment performed by a psychiatrist (M.D. or D.O.) meeting state licensure requirements in accordance with ARS, Title 32. The assessment shall determine and address behavioral health problems and may recommend intervention and/or treatment. The evaluation shall include a review of referral materials, a clinical interview with the client and other key informants, recommendations and orders for any necessary laboratory or other diagnostic tests, and a written report. Medications may be prescribed, modified or terminated as indicated.
  • A person who is licensed pursuant to Title 32, chapter 13 or 17.
  • A specific assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist to determine and address behavioral health problems and may include treatment recommendations or advise certain interventions. Psychological assessments shall include a review of referral materials, assessment of the individuals's readiness for testing, a clinical interview, and may include intellectual testing, personality testing, educational testing, projective testing, and specialized testing for specific disabilities. Neuropsychological assessments will also delineate between the neurologically based causes for behavior versus an emotional dysfunction.
  • A person who is licensed pursuant to Title 32, chapter 19.1.
  • A comprehensive program of remedial treatment to rehabilitate skill deficits in all activities of community and daily living, training in interpersonal communication, and use of and self administration of medication.
  • R
  • See Racial or Ethnic Factors
  • Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or other heritage which may prevent a child from being adopted [ARS §8-141(A)(13)].
  • A lower intensity of case management provided to children who do not have a serious mental illness, but who are in need of mental health services. Case coordination activities include: coordination of services, development of the ISP, identification of service providers, implementation of services, and provision of follow-up as necessary.
  • A RBHA employee or contracted provider who meets the qualifications in the AHCCCS Mental Health Policy Manual and is responsible for collaboration with the DES case manager and the RBHAs clinical case management team in the developing, arranging, and monitoring of the most cost-effective and clinically appropriate Individual Service Plan for delivering mental health services to an eligible child/client.
  • A term used in the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-272) that emphasizes the need to support and preserve families through the provision of services which address remediating the risk to the child in the family. These services are to be directed towards preventing the removal of a child from a family or, if removal is unavoidable, to expedite return of the child to the family. When service provision has not accomplished return of the child to the family, services are then to be directed towards providing another permanent plan for the child.
  • Related to an interstate placement, the local agency in the receiving state which receives the referral, does the evaluation and if placement is made provides supervision and other services as necessary and appropriate.
  • A licensed foster home available for a child in need of immediate placement, when taken into custody or pending medical examination and court disposition. [ARS §8-501(A)(9)]
  • Related to an interstate placement, the state to which a child is sent, brought or caused to be sent or brought, whether by public authorities or private persons or agencies, and whether for placement with state or local public authorities or for placement with private agencies or persons.
  • Editing of case records to remove confidential material prior to release of the records to an individual.
  • A written request for the provision of services which includes all required information.
  • An organization under contract to implement, coordinate, maintain, and monitor the delivery of a unified system of behavioral health services for a geographic area.
  • means the spouse of the natural or legal parent of the child, aunt, uncle, adult sibling or grandparent of the child by the whole or half-blood or by marriage or adoption.
  • a great grandparent, grandparent, brother or sister, whole or half blood, aunt or cousin. [ARS 8-501(A)(11)]
  • See Consent to place a child for adoption
  • A person who is residing in the state of Arizona with the intent of establishing a home here.
  • A child victim is a resident when he/she: Attends school or is enrolled in child care in Arizona; or Has a parent, guardian, or custodian who resides in Arizona.
  • A group care facility that is licensed as a Level I behavioral health facility through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The residential treatment center (RTC) provides a structured treatment setting with daily 24 hour supervision and an intensive treatment program. Onsite schooling is typically provided within this setting.
  • Services that are provided by a level one behavioral health facility, a program that provides detoxification services or an intensive treatment program
  • Any service within the Department or the community which is available and potentially of benefit to the client.
  • Short term care and supervision of a child to relieve caregivers.
  • The DCS Specialist shall initiate the response to a DCS report by having in-person contact with an alleged child victim identified in the DCS report, or by attempting to have in-person contact with an alleged child victim at the child’s known or probable location.
  • The length of time from when the report information is received by the local office to when the local office initiates an investigation and determines the safety of the child victim.
  • A licensed foster home for a specific, identified child(ren).
  • The act of terminating an existing foster care or group care license.
  • S
  • There is no present danger or impending danger to the child, or the parent, guardian or custodian has protective capacities that control any existing threats
  • The initial process of determining if an allegation of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation exists.
  • Related to an interstate compact, a person, corporation, association, charitable agency or other entity which sends, brings or causes to be sent or brought any child to another state.
  • A threat to a child that could cause or result in injury to a child's physical or mental well-being (pain, injury, suffering, terror, or extreme fear, or death)
  • An injury that is diagnosed by a medical doctor or a psychologist and that does any one or a combination of the following: a) Seriously impairs mental faculties. b) Causes serious anxiety, depression, withdrawal or social dysfunction behavior to the extent that the child suffers dysfunction that requires treatment. c) The result of sexual abuse pursuant to section 13-1404, sexual conduct with a minor pursuant to section 13-1405, sexual assault pursuant to section 13-1406, molestation of a child pursuant to section 13-1410, child prostitution pursuant to section 13-3212, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor pursuant to section 13-3552, sexual exploitation of a minor pursuant to section 13-3553 or incest pursuant to section 13-3608. [ARS §8-201(27)]
  • An injury that is diagnosed by a medical doctor and that does any one or a combination of the following: a) Creates a reasonable risk of death. b) Causes serious or permanent disfigurement. c) Causes significant physical pain. d) Causes serious impairment of health. e) Causes the loss or protracted impairment of an organ or limb. f) The result of sexual abuse pursuant to section 13-1404, sexual conduct with a minor pursuant to section 13-1405, sexual assault pursuant to section 13-1406, molestation of a child pursuant to section 13-1410, child prostitution pursuant to section 13-3212, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor pursuant to section 13-3552, sexual exploitation of a minor pursuant to section 13-3553 or incest pursuant to section 13-3608. [ARS §8-201(28)]
  • The functions, activities, and tasks directed at controlling and removing barriers so that the identified goals may be achieved.
  • Any person, institution or entity which provides covered services to an eligible child recipient under the program.
  • Individuals directly involved in the provision of services to a child or parent. The service team includes the case manager, out-of-home care provider, licensing worker, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA), persons providing services (i.e., physicians, psychologists, therapists, and parent aides). This may also include the entity case manager, physicians, school personnel, law enforcement and probation personnel, and attorneys.
  • See Termination of Parental Rights
  • The recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for a commercial sex act. Severe forms of sex trafficking occur when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or when the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age. Sex trafficking can be determined to have occurred even if it appears that the child is in agreement with the conduct or the child does not consider herself or himself to be a victim of sex trafficking
  • A licensed agency administered group care setting which is available for a child in need of immediate placement.
  • A type of care provided to a child in need of immediate placement.
  • See Sibling Relationship
  • Two or more children related by blood or in law.
  • An individual who has a substantial relationship with the child.
  • One or more of the following factors which may impede the adoption of a child: · Physical, mental or developmental disability · Emotional disturbance · High risk of physical or mental disease · High risk of developmental disability · Age of six or more years at the time of application for adoption subsidy · Sibling relationship · Racial or ethnic factors · High risk of severe emotional disturbance if removed from the care of foster parents or relatives [ARS §8-141(A)(14)].
  • Payments to the adoptive parents or the providers of services for expenses incurred in the provision of medical, dental, psychiatric, psychological, or other services, as approved by the Adoption Subsidy Review Committee, to meet the preexisting health related conditions or risks of the child. This does not include routine medical, routine dental, social or recreational services.
  • A state agency responsible for the care and placement of children and responsible for the submission of the special education voucher application when residential placement is necessary. DES/DCYF/DES/DDD, AOC (JPO), AZ Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC), and DHS are the state placing agencies.
  • A determination by a health professional that an infant under 30 days of age was exposed prenatally to a drug or substance listed in section 13-3401 and that this exposure was not the result of a medical treatment administered to the mother or the newborn infant by a health professional. The determination by the health professional shall be based on one or more of the following: •Clinical indicators in the prenatal period including maternal and newborn presentation. •History of substance use or abuse. •Medical history. •Results of a toxicology or other laboratory test on the mother or the newborn infant.
  • Monthly special services payments for professional nursing provided by an adoptive parent to their medically fragile child, above and beyond the level of care that is reasonable or usual for a parent to provide to a child with special needs.
  • A visit between a child in out-of-home placement and his parent/caretaker, sibling, or other relative that is monitored and supported through the physical presence of a third party (e.g. case manager, visitation facilitator, parent aide, etc.).
  • The act of monitoring and directing the activities of the foster child. This includes situations where the foster parent(s) provide indirect monitoring of the foster youth such as when the youth goes to the movie or shopping mall with friends, is employed or spends an overnight with a friend. The provision of indirect supervision must be approved by the child's case manager as appropriate to the needs and ability of the foster youth. Indirect monitoring also includes the foster parent(s) being available to the youth in the case of an emergency.
  • Is based upon a child's medical and behavioral needs
  • An individual appointed by the juvenile court to represent the interests of a child requiring special education services when the child's parents are unwilling or unable to do so. [ARS §15-761(35)]
  • The act of temporarily canceling an existing foster care or group care license.
  • T
  • A written notice by the Department, or law enforcement to parents, guardians, or custodians outlining reasons why the child has been taken into temporary custody and advising the parent or guardian of the preliminary protective hearing to be held within 5 to 7 days. (ARS §8-823)
  • An order of the superior court that divests the parent and the child of all legal rights, privileges, duties and obligations with respect to each other except the right of the child to inherit and receive support from the parent. This right of inheritance and support shall only be terminated by a final order of adoption. See also Severance.
  • A group care facility which is licensed as a Level II behavioral health facility by Arizona Department of Health Services. The therapeutic group home (TGH) provides a structured residential treatment setting with 24 hour a day supervision and counseling or other therapeutic activities for clients who do not require on-site medical services.
  • A visit between a child in out-of-home placement and his parent/caretaker or sibling that is monitored through the physical presence of a psychologist, therapist or counselor for the purpose of assessing interactions, response to visits, teaching parenting skills and increasing the participants understanding of the family dynamics with the goal of solving family problems
  • The Medicaid provision of the federal Social Security Act.
  • Children up to age 18, who are eligible under Title XIX eligibility categories, which include COBRA, SOBRA, SSI, and Ribicoff criteria
  • A person, clinic, or residential facility licensed by the Department of Health Services that meets the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) requirements for receiving federal Title XIX reimbursement.
  • The assessment and management of child safety is initiated during the initial contact with the family and is continued throughout the investigation. The purpose of the Family Functioning Assessment is to gather sufficient and relevant information to make an informed decision about whether the child is safe or unsafe. The Family Functioning Assessment and analysis of information guides the DCS Specialist’s decisions about the child’s safety and what, if any, actions should be taken to protect the child
  • Foster family-based model that provides an intensive system of supportive and clinical services to special needs children.
  • That portion of the authorization process which requires that the attending physician and other professional allied health personnel involved in the care of a recipient establish and review periodically a plan of treatment and care for each recipient.
  • U
  • The Department shall consider the report finding unable to locate after an investigation when reasonable efforts were made to locate the child victim; the location of the child victim remains unknown and there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the child was abused or neglected without interviewing or observing the child.
  • There is present or impendign danger to the child, and no parent, guardian or custodian is able or willing to provide protection
  • The Department shall consider a report unsubstantiated, after an investigation, when the information gathered during the investigation does not support that an incident of abuse or neglect occurred based upon a probable cause standard.
  • A visit between a child in out-of-home placement and his/her parent/caretaker, sibling or other relative that is not directly visually monitored.
  • V
  • Face-to-face contact between a child in out-of-home care and his parent/caregiver, siblings, family members, other relatives, and other significant persons such as friends and former foster parents.
  • Any person who is designated to monitor a visit between a child in out-of-home placement and the parent/ caretaker, sibling or other relative. This may include a parent aide, transportation worker, volunteer, psychologist, therapist, out-of-home care provider, extended family member or other party.
  • Information provided to parents which outlines agency expectations of the parent/caretaker regarding visitation.
  • A written agreement, for a period not to exceed 90 days, between the parent, guardian or caretaker and the DCS. If the child is over 12 years of age and not developmentally disabled, the child must also agree to and sign the voluntary agreement, unless the Department determines that voluntary placement of the child is clearly necessary to prevent abuse (ARS §8-806).
  • An individual who contributes time and services to the Department without monetary compensation.
  • W
  • A screen display used to view an application or document.
  • A written agreement between the Department and the family is composed of a completed Case Plan, recorded in the Case Plan Directory.