Bill > SB1333

This bill addresses several aspects of foster care and child welfare in Arizona, focusing on improving placement options, licensing requirements, and support for foster children. The bill requires the Department of Child Safety to establish a minimum number of licensed foster homes statewide, categorized by specific needs such as children with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or medical complexities. It mandates that the department develop a recruitment campaign to meet these foster home requirements and report progress annually. The bill also introduces new provisions for congregate care (group home) placements, requiring the department to create a specific placement plan for children in such settings within 30 days, with the goal of moving children to family-like environments. Additionally, the bill requires behavioral health facilities to accept foster children for placement if certain clinical criteria are met, and prohibits arbitrary denials of placement. The legislation also expands reporting requirements for the department, including new detailed reporting on congregate care placements, foster home availability, and placement challenges. These changes aim to improve the quality of care, increase placement options, and provide more comprehensive support for children in the foster care system.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82728