ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: HHS DP 7-0-3-0

HB 2543: group foster homes; staffing requirement

Sponsor: Representative Jones, LD 17

Caucus & COW

Overview

Modifies the definition of a group foster home to include two adult employees on the premises at all times.

History

The primary purpose of DCS is to protect children. To achieve this DCS will do and focus equally on: 1) investigating reports of abuse and neglect; 2) assessing, promoting and supporting the safety of a child in a safe and stable family or other appropriate placement in response to allegations of abuse and neglect; 3) cooperating with law enforcement regarding reports that include allegations of criminal conduct; and 4) coordinating services to achieve and maintain permanency for the child, strengthen the family and provide prevention, intervention and treatment services without compromising the child's safety (A.R.S. § 8-451).

A group foster home is a licensed regular or special foster home that is suitable for placement of more than five minor children but not more than ten minor children (A.R.S. § 8-501). DCS must place a child in the least restrictive type of placement available, consistent with the best interests of the child. The order for placement preference is as follows:

1) with a parent;

2) with a grandparent;

3) in kinship care with another member of the child's extended family, including a person who has a significant relationship with the child;

4) in licensed family foster care;

5) in therapeutic foster care;

6) in a group home; and

7) in a residential treatment facility (A.R.S. § 8-514).

Provisions

1. Expands the definition of a group foster home to include at least two adult employees on the premises at all times. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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6. HB 2543

7. Initials AG/KT Page 0 Caucus & COW

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