{"id":1215,"date":"2014-09-17T05:02:57","date_gmt":"2014-09-17T05:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.remedy5.com\/azo\/?page_id=1215"},"modified":"2025-04-18T01:44:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T01:44:44","slug":"child-safety-dcs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.azoca.gov\/staging\/7968\/child-safety-dcs\/","title":{"rendered":"Child Safety (DCS)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens\u2019 Aide Office<\/h1><\/span>
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Various statutes in the Arizona Revised Statutes Titles 8 and 41, require the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to permit the State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens\u2019 Aide Office unrestricted access to all DCS records, with few exceptions.\u00a0 Since the State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens\u2019 Aide office is not part of DCS, but an independent office of the Arizona Legislature, DCS does not have authority over our office.\u00a0 This statutory requirement helps to ensure transparency of DCS, and fairness for individuals involved in the DCS process.<\/p>\n

Arizona Revised Statutes require that DCS provide specific documents (notices) when they take temporary custody of a child (Temporary Custody Notice), <\/em>or when an individual is the subject of a DCS Investigation (Notice of Duty to Inform)<\/em>. \u00a0These notices inform the recipients of their rights, and provide details and contact information for the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens\u2019 Aide Office.<\/p>\n

If you become involved with DCS, we highly recommend you immediately educate yourself on the process in which you are now involved, and seek to understand the DCS mission and the laws that guide them. \u00a0The quickest way to find information about DCS is to visit their web site at https:\/\/dcs.az.gov<\/a><\/u>. \u00a0If you do not have access to the internet, public libraries provide free internet access. \u00a0If you become involved in a DCS case, learn your rights and become familiar with processes and terminology.\u00a0 Time spent educating yourself about DCS will prove invaluable as you navigate the DCS system.<\/p>\n

The State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens\u2019 Aide office DOES NOT have jurisdiction over the judge in your case, the guardian ad litem (GAL), the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), the courts, or your attorney.\u00a0 If your complaint involves one of these entities, our office will be unable to assist.\u00a0 DCS dependency cases are heard in county juvenile courts (Superior Court). \u00a0The Arizona Supreme Court has a helpful web site regarding general dependency information, and is viewable at azcourts.gov\/improve\/Resources.aspx<\/a><\/u>. \u00a0Maricopa County also has an informative website of the court and the dependency processes, available at maricopa.gov\/opa\/depcp.aspx<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n

DO YOU HAVE A DISPUTE WITH DCS?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Disputes sometimes arise during the course of DCS\u00a0involvement.\u00a0 Should you find yourself in a dispute with DCS, attempt to work with DCS first, including the DCS Office of the Ombudsman.<\/p>\n

If you have a dispute with DCS, follow the following steps:<\/p>\n

Step 1: Attempt to Resolve Disputes with the DCS Caseworker<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you develop a dispute about your DCS case, first attempt to address the concern directly with your DCS caseworker. \u00a0We recommend initial contact by phone.\u00a0 Emotions can run high during these conversations, so we recommend that you are\u00a0self-controlled and polite during all interaction with DCS.\u00a0 We further recommend that you do not leave an excessive number of voice messages for your DCS caseworker. \u00a0One or two voice messages should be sufficient. \u00a0If you do not receive a response within two business days, then we recommend changing to written communication via email or letter. \u00a0Keep copies of your correspondence with the caseworker.<\/p>\n

If step 1 fails, proceed to step 2.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Elevate Concern to DCS Supervisor<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If your attempt to resolve your dispute with the DCS caseworker is unsuccessful, then you may proceed to the DCS caseworker\u2019s supervisor. \u00a0Again, we recommend that you do not leave an excessive number of voice messages, allowing two business days for a response.\u00a0 If you do not receive a response within two business days, then utilize written communication via email or letter. \u00a0Again, keep copies of all correspondence.<\/p>\n

If step 2 fails, proceed to step 3.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Contact the DCS Office of the Ombudsman or utilize the DCS Grievance process.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If your attempts to resolve your dispute have been unsuccessful with the caseworker and supervisor, then proceed to the DCS Office of the Ombudsman, a dispute resolution office internal to DCS.\u00a0 The DCS Office of the Ombudsman was previously known as the DCS Family Advocate Office.\u00a0 REMINDER<\/em>: The DCS Office of the Ombudsman office is NOT affiliated with the State of Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens\u2019 Aide office.<\/p>\n

DCS Office of the Ombudsman <\/u><\/p>\n

Contact the DCS Office of the Ombudsman via phone at 877-527-0765<\/strong> or 602-364-0777<\/strong> or email Ombudsman@azdcs.gov<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please Note the DCS Office of the Ombudsman:<\/p>\n