ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: HHS DP 8-0-0-0 | 3^rd Read 29-0-1 House: HHS DP 9-0-0-0

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SB 1018: DCS; report requirement

Sponsor:  Senator Barto, LD 15

House Engrossed

Overview

Instructs the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to submit, by December 31, 2021, a report regarding adoptive children with complex trauma.

History

DCS was established with the primary purpose of protecting children. In order to achieve this purpose, statute currently requires DCS to: 1) investigate reports of abuse and neglect; 2) assess, promote and support the safety of a child in an appropriate placement in response to allegations of abuse or neglect; 3) work with law enforcement regarding reports that include criminal conduct allegations; and 4) coordinate services to achieve and maintain permanency on behalf of the child, strengthen the family and provide prevention, intervention and treatment services (A.R.S § 8-451).

Established in 1981, AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program that oversees contracted health plans to coordinated and provide physical and behavioral health care to individuals and families who qualify for Medicaid and other medical assistance programs. In 2016, AHCCCS published a practice tool on the unique behavioral health service needs of children, youth and families involved with DCS.

Provisions

1. Requires DCS and AHCCCS to report, by December 31, 2021, to the Chairpersons of the Health and Human Services Committee in both the House of Representatives and the Senate the following information:

a) System improvements for children adopted out of foster care with complex trauma that results in dangerous behaviors;

b) An evaluation, including outcome data, of programs and services offered by other states to address complex trauma; and

c) Mechanisms within DCS for suspending parental rights when the adoptive child is a danger to the family as corroborated by law enforcement while maintaining the goal of permanency as required by federal law or other alternatives to terminating parental rights. (Sec. 1)

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                        SB 1018

Initials EB/SF  Page 0 House Engrossed

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