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Panel backs rules to expand licensed foster-home capacity, require caregiver training after reported child deaths
Summary
Senate Bill 13-33 would require the Department of Child Safety to establish a minimum number of licensed foster homes, add reporting procedures for congregate care placements and require caregiver training after multiple child deaths in foster settings were cited as a prompt for the changes.
Lawmakers discussed a bill that would change placement standards and reporting requirements for foster care in Arizona.
Senate Bill 13-33, as amended, would require the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to establish a minimum number of licensed foster homes sufficient to place a child in licensed foster care that best meets the child's needs. The bill also adds reporting requirements and procedures that DCS must follow within 30 days of placing a child in a congregate care setting, modifies a foster youth permanency pilot project, and requires group foster homes to adopt policies for medication administration. Staff described the bill and said it was available for questions.
Why it matters: Chairwoman Bliss said the bill responds to tragic events: "it's tragic that a death has to occur in order for us to wake up and look at how are we doing ... what happened was we had 1, possibly 2 children die, from diabetic emergencies in foster youth homes." She said the bill aims to ensure caregivers receive the right training so placements meet the needs of children.
Discussion and next steps: Members described the bill as the culmination of stakeholder work and supported the need for improved oversight and caregiver education. No committee vote was recorded in this session.
Ending: The bill remains in committee for further work and stakeholder engagement to implement new placement and reporting standards.
