ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session
	House: HHS: DPA 9-0-0-0

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HB 2223: missing children; notification; identification

Sponsor:  Representative Barto, LD 15

Caucus & COW

Overview

Creates identification requirements for a child in the custody of the Department of Child Safety (DCS).

History

The mission of DCS is to successfully engage children and families to ensure safety, strengthen families and achieve permanency. This is accomplished by DCS being: 1) child-centered; 2) family-focused; 3) successful in engagement through respect of the family; 4) active in listening and providing families with an invitation to participate in the decision making process; 5) aware that the entire community along with various partners are responsible for  keeping children safe; 6) a professional environment with an excellent workforce; 7) culturally responsive; and 8) accountable and transparent.

If DCS receives a report or information during the course of providing services that indicates a child is at risk of serious harm or the child's location is unknown, DCS must notify the appropriate law enforcement agency in order for the information to be entered into state and federal databases (A.R.S. § 8-810).  

Provisions

1. States that if DCS receives a report or information that indicates that a child in the physical custody of DCS is at risk of serious harm or their location is unknown, DCS must notify law enforcement so the information may be entered into state and national databases. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires DCS to maintain one of the following for each child in their custody:

a)   A current photograph, updated every 12 months; or

b)   A nonoperating identification license. (Sec. 2)

3. Allows, when requested by DCS, the court to order that the fingerprints of a child be taken if one or more of the following apply:

a)   The child is at least five;

b)   The child has been placed in congregate care; or

c)   The child has three or more out-of-home placements. (Sec. 2)

4. Requires DCS to store the photographs and fingerprints and share them with law enforcement if the child is reported missing or their location is unknown. (Sec. 2)

5. Prohibits the use of photographs and fingerprints for any purpose other than to locate a child who is missing from care. (Sec. 2)

6. Bans the Arizona Department of Transportation from charging a fee for nonoperating identification license for a child in the physical custody of DCS.  (Sec. 3)

7. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

Amendments

Committee on Health and Human Services

1. Removes the first section of the bill related to children at risk of serious harm. Deletes the current language in section two of the bill and replaces it with the following:

a) A child welfare agency that receives for care and maintenance a child who has been adjudicated dependent shall obtain within ninety days after the child is placed with the agency:

i. A nonoperating identification license issued pursuant to section 28-3165.

ii. If the child does not qualify for a nonoperating identification license, a photograph of the child.

2. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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Initials IG                    Caucus & COW

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