CHILD WELFARE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002

ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES
[LAWS 2001, CHAPTER 223]

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
DIVISION OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
S.B. 1229
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002

Arizona Revised Statute §8-526, as amended by Laws 2001, Chapter 223 requires the Arizona
Department of Economic Security (DES) to compile information semi-annually and produce a
report for the periods ending on March 31st and September 30th of each year regarding the Child
Welfare Service Program, including Child Protective Services (CPS). This semi-annual report,
submitted in satisfaction of that mandate, is for the period of October 1, 2001 through March 31,
2002. It provides information about child abuse and neglect reports, investigations, substantiated
investigations, type of services provided, shelter and foster home services, visitation compliance,
children in out-of-home care, length of time in care, reason children have left care, children placed
for adoption and Child Protective Services staff.
During this reporting period, Child Protective Services Hotline received 17,504 reports of child
abuse, neglect and abandonment. Of these reports, 129 were within the jurisdiction of military or
tribal governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. The Department and Family Builders
contracted providers responded to 100% of the remaining 17,375 reports. This response rate has
been maintained by the Division since January, 1998. During the reporting period, an additional
8,718 communications were received by Child Protective Services Central Intake that did not
meet the criteria of a report.
During the reporting period, there were 1,484 substantiated findings of abuse or neglect. In-home
services were received in 874 of these cases, out-of-home services were received in 717 of these
cases, and 538 of these cases were closed after investigation because the children were not found
to be at imminent risk of abuse. For those cases closed after investigation, the families may have
received short-term support services through DES or through referrals to community agencies.
These services may include, but are not limited to, child care, parent aide, parenting classes,
substance abuse and mental health services. In addition, these reports are not mutually exclusive,
and may simultaneously receive in home services, out-of-home services, as well as services
through the community.
On March 31, 2002, there were 6,104 children in out-of-home care in Arizona. Of the total
number of children in out-of-home care, there were 1,474 children placed with relatives. One
thousand six hundred twenty-six (1,626) children of the 6,104 in out-of-home care had a case plan
goal of adoption, and 1,083 of the children with a case plan goal of adoption were placed in an
adoptive home but the adoption had not yet been finalized. Two thousand four hundred eightyseven (2,487) children had a case plan goal of “Return to Family”. Four thousand twenty-nine
(4,029 or 66%) of the total number of children had been in out-of home care for less than two
years. For children who had been in out-of-home care longer than two years, each had a case
plan goal developed to lead to permanency.
At the end of the reporting period, 2,327 children were in family foster home settings. There were
1,756 licensed foster homes this reporting period. There were vacancies within these foster homes
i

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

because not all of the spaces could be matched to the children needing foster home placements.
There are many reasons why a child may not be able to use a particular foster home, including the
abilities and preferences of the foster family, the need to place the child near his or her family of
origin for reunification purposes, and other special placement needs of the child.
A.R.S. §8-516 requires supervision of foster care providers. Visitation must be done by a foster
home licensing case manager once a month for receiving foster homes, and once every three
months (quarterly) for regular and special foster homes. The required visitation was received by
1,399 (80%) of 1,756 foster homes this reporting period.
A.R.S. §8-516 also requires supervision of children in foster care. During this reporting period,
6,104 children in out-of-home care required visitation by their Child Protective Services case
manager. Visitation was accurately documented for 4,224 (69%) of these children.
During the reporting period, 2,417 children left the care, custody and control of DES. The
following are the reasons and the number of children who left care: 1,118 of the children were
reunified with their parents or primary caretaker; 193 of the children reached the age of majority;
348 children left due to a legal guardianship being established; 229 of the children were placed
with other relatives; 96 of the children were transferred to another agency; and 18 of the children
left due to continued runaway behavior and the Department’s inability to locate these children.
CPS cannot close a case of a child who is a ward of the court without approval from the Court for
case dismissal. In addition, there were 413 children with finalized adoptions.
A further analysis of the data in this report indicates that:
r There has been a 24% decline in the number of African American children in out-ofhome care from the September 1999 reporting period.
r The number of children in out-of-home care greater than 24 months has declined by
21% from the September 1999 reporting period.
r There has been an 8% decrease in the total number of children in out-of-home care
since the September 1999 reporting period.
r There has been an increase of 23% in the total number of finalized adoptions between
this reporting period and the September 1999 reporting period.
r There has been a 32% increase in the number of substantiated reports receiving
services after investigation, from the September 1999 reporting period to the current
reporting period.

ii

CHILD WELFARE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Arizona Revised Statute §8-526, as amended by Laws 2001, Chapter 223 requires the Arizona
Department of Economic Security (DES) to compile information and produce a semi-annual
report for the periods ending on March 31st and September 30th of each year regarding the Child
Welfare Services program, including Child Protective Services (CPS). This report which is
submitted in satisfaction of that mandate is for the semi-annual reporting period beginning on
October 1, 2001 and ending on March 31, 2002. It provides information relative to child abuse
and neglect reports, investigations, shelter and receiving home services, foster homes, length of
time in care, and Child Protective Services staffing, adoption services and visitation compliance.
The specific reporting requirements are as follows:

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(1)];

Pg. 2

r Child Protective Services reports
.....responded to

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(2), (A)(3)];

Pgs. 6 & 7

r Child Protective Services case
.....closures

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(1-4)(a)(b)(c)];

Pg. 10

r

Newborn Infants delivered to safe
haven providers.

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(5)];

Pg. 13

r

Children entering foster care

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(6)];

Pg. 14

r Child Protective Services direct
.....service staff

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(7)];

Pg. 16

r Children in shelter or receiving
.....homes

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(8)];

Pg. 17

r

Foster home availability and activity

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(9-11)];

Pgs. 18-20

r

Case manager visitation compliance

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(12)];

Pg. 21

r

Foster care

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(13)(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)];

Pg. 22

r

Parental visitation

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(14)];

Pg. 26

r

Children leaving custody

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(15)(a)(b)(c)(d)];

Pg. 27

r

Adoptive services

[A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(16-18)(a)b)(c)(d)(e)].

Pgs. 37-41

r

Child Protective Services reports

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES REPORTS
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(1)
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED, BY MAJOR CATEGORY AND BY RISK LEVEL.
THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THOSE INCOMING
COMMUNICATIONS DETERMINED NOT TO MEET THE CRITERIA OF A REPORT AS CHOSEN BY
A RANDOM SAMPLE.

The categories of “child abuse or neglect” are defined in A.R.S. §8-201 and A.R.S. §13-3623(A).
These definitions provide the major categories in this report.
Between October 1, 2001 and March 31, 2002, there were 17,504 incoming communications to
the Child Abuse Hotline which met the criteria of a report of abuse or neglect. Of these, 129
were within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments and were referred to those
jurisdictions. This compares to 17,064 incoming communications received during the last
reporting period which met the criteria of a report of abuse or neglect.
As illustrated in Chart 1, the period covering October 2001 through March 2002 shows 10,130 or
59% of the 17,504 reports of maltreatment were related to allegations of neglect, 5,995 or 34%
of the reports were related to allegations of physical abuse, 947 or 5% of the reports were related
to allegations of sexual abuse, and 432 or 2% of the reports were related to allegations of
emotional abuse.
As illustrated in Chart 1A, the period covering April 2001 through September 2001 shows 10,319
or 60% of the 17,064 reports of maltreatment were related to allegations of neglect, 5,383 or
32% of the reports were related to allegations of physical abuse, 993 or 6% of the reports were
related to allegations of sexual abuse, and 369 or 2% of the reports were related to allegations of
emotional abuse.
Chart 2 provides the number of reports received by report risk level for the October 1, 2001
through March 31, 2002 reporting period. Based on the type of maltreatment a risk level is
assigned to reports of alleged abuse.
In addition to the 17,504 reports presented in Chart 1, the Child Abuse Hotline received 8,718
communications that did not meet the statutory criteria of a report of maltreatment. A random
sample of these communications is contained in Chart 3.

2

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 1
NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY MAJOR CATEGORY
FOR PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
15,000
12,000

10,130
59%

9,000

5,995
34%

6,000

947
5%

3,000
0

Neglect

P hysical Abuse
S exual Abuse
Categories

432
2%
E motional Abuse

N= 17,504
*Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received .

Chart 1A
NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY MAJOR CATEGORY
FOR PERIOD APRIL 1, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
14,000
12,000

10,319
60%

10,000
8,000

5,383
32%

6,000

993
6%

4,000
2,000

369
2%

0
Neglect

P hysical Abuse

S exual Abuse

Categories
N= 17,064
*Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received .

3

E motional Abuse

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 2
NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY RISK LEVEL FOR THE PERIOD
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
10,000
7,244
41%

8,000

4,995
29%

6,000

3,224
18%

2,041
12%

4,000
2,000
0

High

Moderate

Risk Level

Low

P otential

N= 17,504
*Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received.

Chart 2A
NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY RISK LEVEL FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 1, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
10,000
9,000

6,828
40%

8,000
7,000

4,628
27%

6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000

3,377
20%

2,231
13%

2,000
1,000
0
High

Moderate

Risk Level

Low

N=17,064
*Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received.

4

P otential

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 3
SAMPLE OF COMMUNICATIONS TO THE CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE THAT DO NOT MEET THE
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OF A REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT
80
70
60

53
59%

50
40
30

9
10%

20
10

16
18%
0
0%

0
A

B

C

D
Categories

7
8%

4
4%

E

F

1
1%
G

N=90

A = Concern Only/No Allegation of Child Abuse or Neglect
B = Out of CPS Jurisdiction
C = Call Appropriate for Law Enforcement Jurisdiction1
D = Non-Caretaker Neglect/Child No Longer at Risk
E = Insufficient Information
F = Truancy/Custody Issues
G = Current Case Questions or Referrals

All communications that do not meet the statutory requirements for a field investigation of abuse
or neglect are reviewed within forty-eight (48) hours by DES Quality Assurance staff.

1

The category “Call Appropriate for Law Enforcement Jurisdiction” refers to a situation where the alleged perpetrator is not a parent or primary
caretaker and the allegations, if true, would constitute a crime.

5

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATIONS
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(2)
THE NUMBER OF REPORTS NOT RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL, BY COUNTY, AND
STATEWIDE. THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THESE CASES
CHOSEN BY RANDOM SAMPLE.

On January 1, 1998, the Department implemented the Family Builders Program, a community
based program operating in Maricopa and Pima counties, designed to provide services to families
who are the subject of selected low risk and potential risk reports. On October 4, 1999, Yavapai,
Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties implemented the Family Builders program. On
November 17, 1999 Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, and Santa Cruz counties implemented the Family
Builders program. As a result of budget reductions, on January 1, 2002, the Family Builders
program was eliminated from Graham, Cochise, Apache and Santa Cruz counties. In addition, the
program was reduced in Coconino and Yavapai counties.
Of the 17,3752 reports deemed appropriate for investigation, CPS assigned 13,848 reports to CPS
Specialists for an investigation. The Department referred 3,527 reports to Family Builders for
response, which resulted in a combined response rate of 100% for the reporting period. One
hundred twenty-nine reports were within the jurisdiction of the military or tribal governments and
were referred to those jurisdictions for investigation.

2

One hundred twenty-nine reports falling within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments are excluded from this number.

6

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES INVESTIGATIONS (Cont.)
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(3)
THE NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED
COUNTY, AND STATEWIDE.

TO

BY RISK LEVEL, BY MAJOR CATEGORY, BY

As shown in Tables 1 and 1A, and Tables 2 and 2A by report risk level, between October 1,
2001 through March 31, 2002, there were 13,848 CPS investigations, and 3,527 reports referred
to Family Builders for 17,375 total responses3.

Table 1
NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY
FOR PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

3

HIGH
10
75
82
26
10
5
11
1,281
65
29
263
67
8
59
50
2,041
12%

MODERATE
27
137
133
70
32
1
19
2,983
190
35
823
235
25
157
128
4,995
29%

LOW
31
210
305
105
46
9
24
4,028
300
47
1,398
302
30
212
197
7,244
41%

POTENTIAL
10
101
202
40
19
2
12
1,788
138
23
619
107
4
83
76
3,224
18%

TOTAL
78
523
722
241
107
17
66
10,080
693
134
3,103
711
67
511
451
17,504
100%

% OF TOTAL
<1%
3%
4%
1%
<1%
<1%
<1%
58%
4%
1%
18%
4%
<1%
3%
3%
100%

One hundred twenty-nine reports falling within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments were referred to those jurisdictions for investigation
and were excluded from the calculation of the investigation rate, but are included in Table 1.

7

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 1A4
NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY
FOR PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

4

HIGH
13
70
79
23
13
1
8
1,339
77
35
329
83
16
84
61
2,231
13%

MODERATE
25
141
126
56
32
11
16
2,720
168
28
793
206
14
181
111
4,628
27%

LOW
29
233
161
101
28
4
29
3,725
257
43
1,329
295
21
413
160
6,828
40%

POTENTIAL
16
143
56
42
4
1
13
1,801
101
14
689
129
3
293
72
3,377
20%

TOTAL
83
587
422
222
77
17
66
9,585
603
120
3,140
713
54
971
404
17,064
100%

% OF TOTAL
<1%
3%
2%
1%
<1%
<1%
<1%
56%
4%
1%
18%
4%
<1%
6%
2%
100%

One hundred seven reports falling within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments were referred to those jurisdictions for investigation and
were excluded from the calculation of the investigation rate, but are included in Table 1A.

8

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 25
NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY MAJOR CATEGORY AND COUNTY
FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

EMOTIONAL
ABUSE
2
13
32
6
4
0
2
213
9
2
97
20
3
14
15
432
3%

NEGLECT
47
309
416
153
63
9
45
5,869
409
82
724
428
31
278
267
10,130
58%

PHYSICAL
ABUSE
23
171
244
68
31
6
17
3,479
232
44
1,125
212
28
177
138
5,995
34%

SEXUAL
ABUSE
6
30
30
14
9
2
2
519
43
6
157
51
5
42
31
947
5%

TOTAL

% OF TOTAL

78
523
722
241
107
17
66
10,080
693
134
3,103
711
67
511
451
17,504
100%

<1%
3%
4%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
58%
4%
1%
18%
4%
<1%
3%
3%
100%

Table 2A6
NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY MAJOR CATEGORY AND COUNTY
FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

EMOTIONAL
ABUSE
3
14
13
3
1
1
1
178
12
6
70
17
1
38
11
369
2%

NEGLECT
45
360
211
148
43
9
51
5781
374
81
1,877
441
21
640
237
10,319
60%

PHYSICAL
ABUSE
29
180
152
58
27
5
11
3,064
179
28
1,020
211
27
256
136
5,383
32%

SEXUAL
ABUSE
6
33
46
13
6
2
3
562
38
5
173
44
5
37
20
993
6%

5

One hundred twenty-nine reports were classified as no jurisdiction and are included in Table 2.

6

One hundred-seven reports were classified as no jurisdiction and are included in Table 2A.

9

TOTAL

% OF TOTAL

83
587
422
222
77
17
66
9,585
603
120
3,140
713
54
971
404
17,064
100%

<1%
3%
2%
1%
<1%
<1%
<1%
56%
4%
1%
18%
4%
<1%
6%
2%
100%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

SUBSTANTIATED AFTER INVESTIGATION FINDINGS
A.R.S. §8-526(A)(4)(a)(b)(c)
THE NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH A SUBSTANTIATED FINDING AFTER INVESTIGATION, BY
RISK LEVEL, BY COUNTY, AND STATEWIDE THAT RESULTED IN:
(a) THE CASE BEING CLOSED AFTER AN INVESTIGATION.
(b) IN-HOME SERVICES BEING PROVIDED AFTER AN INVESTIGATION.
(c) OUT-OF-HOME SERVICES BEING PROVIDED AFTER AN INVESTIGATION.

During the reporting period 12,323 reports were investigated and subject to substantiation, with
1,484 or 12% of the reports resulting in a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect.7 This
compares to a revised substantiation rate of 17%, or 1,967 reports, for the period of April 2001
through September 2001.
The substantiation rate is revised to take into account the increase in substantiated reports that
have cleared the appeals process, as well as the change in the substantiation methodology. The
substantiation methodology is calculated by dividing the number of substantiated reports by the
total number of reports. Reports categorized as “potential”, reports referred to the Family
Builders program and reports in the “no jurisdiction” category are not calculated into the
substantiation rate.
Since the appeals process delays the substantiation of reports, revisions to the substantiation rate
for the prior reporting period will occur with every semi-annual report produced. Therefore, the
12% substantiation rate for this period will be revised in the next report.

7

As of January 25, 1999 the Department does not substantiate potential risk reports.

10

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 38
NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN
WHICH THE CASE WAS CLOSED AFTER INVESTIGATION
BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
COUNTY

APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

HIGH

MODERATE

LOW

POTENTIAL

TOTAL

% OF TOTAL

0
4
3
0
0
0
0
47
5
1
18
4
0
2
1
85
16%

5
5
7
7
2
0
0
133
7
1
52
14
2
7
4
246
46%

0
3
6
4
2
0
0
116
5
1
45
15
2
5
3
207
38%

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0%

5
12
16
11
4
0
0
296
17
3
115
33
4
14
8
538
100%

1%
2%
3%
2%
1%
0%
0%
55%
3%
<1%
21%
6%
1%
3%
1%
100%

Of the reports with substantiated findings that were closed after investigation, one or more of the
following actions took place: the parent(s) refused services9; appropriate referrals to community
providers were made; or short-term services, such as child care, parent aide, parenting classes,
substance abuse treatment or mental health services, were provided. The report risk level is
determined by the highest risk level allegation in a report, in which at least one allegation is
substantiated. However, this does not necessarily reflect the risk level of the substantiated
allegation.

8

The reports in Tables 3 through 5 are not mutually exclusive. The reports may simultaneously receive in-home services, out-of-home services, as
well as services through the community.

9

A.R.S. §8-803 provides that the Department has “no legal authority to compel the family to cooperate with the investigation or to receive protective
services offered pursuant to the investigation.”

11

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 4
NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS AFTER
INVESTIGATION IN WHICH IN-HOME SERVICES WERE PROVIDED
BY RISK LEVEL AND BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

HIGH MODERATE LOW POTENTIAL TOTAL % OF TOTAL
2
6
1
0
9
1%
19
9
19
0
47
5%
5
10
4
0
19
2%
5
5
7
0
17
2%
5
5
7
0
17
2%
1
0
0
0
1
<1%
0
0
1
0
1
<1%
151
139
100
0
390
45%
12
12
3
0
27
3%
2
2
1
0
5
1%
76
100
73
0
249
28%
14
14
12
0
40
4%
0
1
0
0
1
<1%
11
11
6
0
28
3%
9
6
8
0
23
3%
312
320
242
0
874
100%
36%
36%
28%
0%
100%

Table 5
NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH OUT-OF-HOME
SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY RISK LEVEL
AND BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

HIGH MODERATE LOW POTENTIAL TOTAL % OF TOTAL
1
2
0
0
3
<1%
19
7
14
0
40
6%
8
7
4
0
19
3%
2
1
5
0
8
1%
5
4
5
0
14
2%
2
0
0
0
2
<1%
1
0
1
0
2
<1%
152
91
57
0
300
41%
11
12
3
0
26
4%
1
2
1
0
4
1%
78
95
57
0
230
31%
13
8
12
0
33
5%
0
2
0
0
2
<1%
13
7
3
0
23
3%
6
3
2
0
11
2%
312
241
164
0
717
100%
43%
34%
23%
0%
100%
12

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

ABANDONED NEWBORNS
A.R.S. §8-526(A)(5)
THE NUMBER OF NEWBORN INFANTS DELIVERED TO SAFE HAVEN PROVIDERS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13-3623.01.

There were no newborn infants delivered to safe haven providers during the October 2001- March
2002 reporting period.

13

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILDREN ENTERING CARE
A.R.S. §8-526(A)(6)
THE NUMBER

OF CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY COUNTY DURING THE
REPORTING PERIOD, AND THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF THE CHILDREN ENTERING OUTOF-HOME CARE BY COUNTY DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD WHO ARE VOLUNTARY
PLACEMENTS FOR CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.

During the reporting period October 2001 through March 2002, 2,501 children were removed
from their home for some period of time. Table 6 shows the new removals for the period by
county. Table 7 displays the children removed during the reporting period who were voluntary
placements for children under the age of eighteen.

Table 6
NUMBER OF CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY COUNTY FOR THE
PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002

COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE

NUMBER OF CHILDREN
17
75
102
26
26
4
11
1,225
84
32
629
94
9
118
49
2,501

14

% OF TOTAL
1%
3%
4%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
49%
3%
1%
25%
4%
<1%
5%
2%
100%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 710
NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME
CARE DUE TO A VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT BY COUNTY FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE

10

NUMBER OF CHILDREN
8
11
3
3
0
0
3
186
18
2
14
11
1
32
14
306

% OF TOTAL
3%
4%
1%
1%
0%
0%
1%
61%
6%
1%
4%
3%
<1%
10%
5%
100%

Voluntary foster care may be provided when the parents or legal guardians of a child have requested such assistance, and have signed a legally
binding written agreement not to exceed ninety days, for the temporary placement of the child in foster care while risk factors are addressed to
enable the child to live safely at home. A voluntary foster care agreement may be utilized only when it is likely that the circumstances that brought
the child into foster care are likely to be remedied within the ninety day period of time. A.R.S. §8-806 authorizes the Department to provide
voluntary foster care placement for children for a period not to exceed 90 days and no more than two periods within twenty-four consecutive
months.

15

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIRECT SERVICE STAFF
A.R.S. §8-526(A)(7)
THE NUMBER OF DIRECT CLIENT SERVICE POSITIONS THAT
THE REPORTING PERIOD.

ARE

VACANT

AT THE

END

OF

The Department had a 21.58% annualized turnover rate for state fiscal year 2001. There were 54
authorized Child Protective Services Specialist positions vacant on March 31, 2002.

16

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHILDREN IN SHELTER OR RECEIVING HOMES
A.R.S. §8-526(A)(8)
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE REMAINED IN A SHELTER OR
RECEIVING HOME FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-ONE CONSECUTIVE DAYS, BY THE CHILD’S
AGE GROUP.

During the reporting period, 1,028 children remained in a shelter or receiving home for more than
21 consecutive days. (See Chart 4) For the period of October 2001 through March 2002, 603 or
59% of the children were six years of age or older. In addition, 118 or 11% of the children were
under one year.

Chart 4
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN IN SHELTER OR RECEIVING HOMES FOR MORE
THAN 21 CONSECUTIVE DAYS BY AGE OF CHILD FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
500
307
30%

400
300
200

118
11%

305
30%

167
16%

113
11%

18
2%

100
0
Under 1 year

1-5

6-9

10-12

Ages of Children

N=1,028

17

13-17

18 and over

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOSTER HOME AVAILABILITY
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(9)
THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF LICENSED FOSTER HOMES AND THE NUMBER OF LICENSED AND
AVAILABLE SPACES IN THOSE HOMES.

As of March 31, 2002, there were 1,756 licensed foster homes with 3,683 spaces available for
Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) placements. Licensed foster homes
include family foster homes, professional family foster homes, respite foster homes, and receiving
foster homes.
Foster home licenses specify the age range, gender and maximum number of children that can be
placed in a home. Foster parents, in consultation with the licensing worker, decide the type of
physical, behavioral and psychological needs of children they can effectively parent based upon
their own skill level, experiences and desires.
As of March 31, 2002 there were 756 unused spaces within these foster homes. Approximately
197 additional spaces were unavailable or set aside for receiving and respite care services. Of the
unused spaces, a match between the available spaces and children’s needs was not possible.

18

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOSTER HOME ACTIVITY
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(10)
THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF LICENSED FOSTER HOMES THAT LEAVE
SYSTEM AND THE REASON FOR THE EXIT.

THE

FOSTER CARE

During the reporting period, 149 new homes were licensed to provide foster care and 185 homes
left the system. This compares to 196 new homes being licensed and 192 homes leaving the
system for the period covering April 2001 through September 2001.
Chart 5 gives the reasons for foster home closures for the period of October 1, 2001 through
March 31, 2002.

Chart 5
REASON FOR FOSTER HOME CLOSURE FOR THE PERIOD OF
OCTOBER 1, 2001 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2002
100
80
60

40
22%

57
31%

44
24%

40
11
6%

20

12
6%

12
6%

E

F

3
2%

4
2%

2
1%

H

I

0
A

B

C

D

G

Closure Reasons

N= 185

A = Personal or Family Issues or Problems

E = Family Relocation

B = Other or Foster Parent Did Not State Reason

F = Child Left Care

C = Non-Compliance with Licensing Requirements

G = Philosophical Disagreement

D = Adoption of Foster Child

H = Behavior of Child
I = Transfer to Division of Developmental
Disabilities

19

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOSTER HOME ACTIVITY-VISITATION(Cont.)
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(11)
THE NUMBER OF LICENSED FOSTER HOMES THAT RECEIVE THE REQUIRED VISITATION BY
CASE MANAGERS PURSUANT TO SECTION §8-516.

During the reporting period there were 1,756 foster homes that required visitation. Of those
homes 1,399 or 80% received the required visitation. This compares to 1,359 or 76% of the
foster homes that received the required visitation for the period April 2001 through September
2001. The Department believes that more foster homes received the required visitation than is
indicated in Chart 6. The under reporting of foster home visitation is attributable to the lack of
automation being used in reporting the foster home visitation process. The Department recognizes
this as a problem and is working to correct this issue.

Chart 6
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF FOSTER HOMES
RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION*

WHO

2,500
2,000

1,359
76%

1,500

1,399
80%
433
24%

1,000
500

357
20%

0
Number Visited

Number Not Visited

April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N= 1,792 April 2001 - September 2001
N= 1,756 October 2001 - March 2002

*Required visitations to foster homes, for license monitoring purposes, are performed by licensing case managers.

20

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOSTER HOME ACTIVITY-CHILD VISITATION(Cont.)
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(12)
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN PLACED IN THE CARE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF THE
DEPARTMENT AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD AND THE NUMBER OF THESE
CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE THE REQUIRED VISITATION BY CASE MANAGERS PURSUANT TO
SECTION §8-516.
At the end of the reporting period there were 6,104 children in out-of-home care who required
visitation. Of these children, visitation was accurately documented in the automated system for
4,224 children or 69%. The Department has verified that more children received the required
visitation than is indicated in Chart 7. This information is clearly documented in the automated
case notes. However, the Department is unable to compile and tabulate data based solely upon
case note text. We continue to issue instructions to all direct service staff regarding the system
requirements for capturing all visitations. A child was deemed to have received the required
visitation if the child received the visitation during the last month of the reporting period.
Chart 7
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO
RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION11
6,000
5,000
4,000

4,152
68%

4,224
69%
1,969
32%

3,000

1,880
31%

2,000
1,000
0
Number Visited

Number Not Visited

April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,121 April 2001-September 2001
N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002

11

Required visitation is performed monthly by DES case managers, contracted case managers, and/or other professionals as approved by supervisor or
as established by policy.

21

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

OUT-OF-HOME CARE
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(13)(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO ARE IN THE CARE, CUSTODY AND
CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD WHO ARE IN OUTOF-HOME PLACEMENT AND AS CATEGORIZED BY:
(a) AGE.
(b) ETHNICITY.
(c) CASE PLAN GOAL.
(d) TYPE OF OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT.
(e) LENGTH OF TIME IN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT OF LESS THAN
THIRTY DAYS, THIRTY-ONE DAYS TO TWELVE CONSECUTIVE
MONTHS, TWELVE TO TWENTY-FOUR CONSECUTIVE MONTHS
AND MORE THAN TWENTY-FOUR CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
(f) PRIMARY LEGAL STATUS INCLUDING VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT FOR A
CHILD UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE, TEMPORARY CUSTODY,
ADJUDICATED DEPENDENT, FREE FOR ADOPTION, VOLUNTARY
PLACEMENT FOR A CHILD OVER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE,
DUALLY ADJUDICATED OR ANY OTHER LEGAL STATUS.
On March 31, 2002, there were 6,104 children in out-of-home care. During the reporting period
of October 1, 2001 through March 31, 2002, there were 2,501 children removed from their home
for some period of time.
Chart 8
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY AGE
4000
3500

2,206
2,116 36%
35%

3000
2500

1,583
26%

2000
1500
1000
500

312
5%

1,561
26%

326
5%

1,042 988
17% 16%

871
14%

815
13%

197
3%

208
4%

0
Under 1

1-5

6-9

10-12

13-17

18 and Over

Ages of Children
April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,121 April 2001-September 2001
N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002

22

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 9
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY ETHNICITY
5,000
4,000
3,000

2,913
2,891
48%
47%

2,000

1,833 1,871
31%
30%

1,000

855
14%

827
13%

383
6%

363
6%

0
White

Hispanic

African Am

Am Indian

36
<1%

101
1%

31
1%

Asian

121
2%

Other

E thnicity
April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,121 April 2001-September 2001
N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002

Chart 10
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY CASE PLAN GOAL
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500

2,358
39%

2,487
41%
1,714
28%

2,000

1,626
26%

1,500
453
7%

1,000
500

504
8%

362
6%

491
8%

992 1,046
16% 17%
75
1%

0
Return to
Family

Live With Other
Relatives

Adoption

Long Term
F oster Care

Independent
Living

58
1%

October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,121 April 2001-September 2001
N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002

23

34
1%

Guardianship Case P lan Goal
Being
Developed

Case P lan Goals
April 2001-S eptember 2001

25
1%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 11
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN CARE BY PLACEMENT TYPE
5,000
4,000

2,549 2,327
42% 38%

3,000
2,000

1,448 1,474
24%
24%

1,138 1,254
21%
19%

541 607
9% 10%

1,000

151 137
2% 2%

209 209
3% 3%

Independent
Living

Runaway

0
Relative

F amily F oster Group Home
Home*

Residential
Treatment

85
1%

96
2%

Trial Home
Visit

Out-of-Home P lacement Types
April 2001-September 2001
October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,121 April 2001-September 2001
N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002
* Category includes some relative placements.

Chart 12
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LENGTH OF TIME IN CARE
5000
4000
2,355
38%

3000

2,501
41%
1,201
20%

2000
1000

337
6%

319
5%

1,191
19%

2,246
37%

2,075
34%

0
30 days or less

31 days to 12 months

13 to 24 months

More than 24 months

Length of Time in Out-of-Home Care
April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,121 April 2001-September 2001
N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002

24

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

CHART 1312
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LEGAL STATUS
4,000
3,500

3,190
52%

3,000
2,500
2,000

1,228
20%

1,500
1,000

962
16%

500
0

Adjudicated
Dependent
Only

Legally Free
for Adoption

Temporary
Custody

340
6%
P artially Free
for Adoption

110
2%

136
2%

72
1%

66
1%

Voluntary
P lacement
Under 18

Voluntary
P lacement
Over 18

Dually
Adjudicated

Other

Legal S tatus

October 2001-March 2002

N= 6,104 October 2001-March 2002

12

With the exception of the category of Voluntary Placement Under 18, all children are Adjudicated Dependent. The categories shown reflect
additional legal findings.

25

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(14)
IF THE CASE PLAN IS TO RETURN THE CHILD TO THE PARENT, THE PERCENTAGE
PARENTS WHO RECEIVE THE REQUIRED CONTACT BY CASE MANAGERS.

OF

According to ACYF policy, case managers shall have face-to-face contact with all parents at least
once a month, including any alleged parents and parents residing outside of the child’s home
where the case plan goal is family reunification or remain with family. During the reporting period
there were 1,168 parents who had a child with the case plan goal of return home. Of those
parents requiring the visitation, 676 or 58% received the required visitation. The 58% visitation
rate does not reflect attempted visitation where contact did not take place.

26

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

REASON FOR LEAVING DES CUSTODY
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(15)(a)(b)(c)(d)
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO LEFT THE CUSTODY OF THE
DEPARTMENT DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD BY REASON FOR LEAVING CARE AND AS
CATEGORIZED BY:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

AGE.
ETHNICITY.
NUMBER OF PLACEMENTS.
AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IN FOSTER CARE.

During the reporting period 2,417 children left the custody of the Department. Tables 8 through
16 depict the reasons the child left custody, their age, their ethnicity, the number of placements
each child had, and the average length of time in foster care.

27

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 8
TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR THE END OF THE
REPORTING PERIOD ENDING ON MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
113
721
453
324
624
182
2,417

Percentage
5%
29%
19%
13%
26%
8%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
1,102
704
316
203
20
72
2,417

Percentage
46%
29%
13%
8%
1%
3%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
1,211
429
279
179
79
240
2,417

Percentage
50%
18%
12%
7%
3%
10%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
841
574
426
576
2,417

Percentage
34%
24%
18%
24%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
9.1
1
7.3

Average
9.4
2.5
16.7

28

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 9
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “REUNIFICATION WITH PARENTS OR PRIMARY CARETAKER” FOR
THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
69
331
193
150
370
5
1,118

Percentage
6%
30%
17%
13%
33%
<1%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
555
319
114
77
8
45
1,118

Percentage
49%
29%
10%
7%
1%
4%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
744
189
78
53
20
34
1,118

Percentage
66%
17%
7%
5%
2%
3%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
562
371
131
54
1,118

Percentage
50%
33%
12%
5%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
9.1
1
.9

Average
9.1
1.7
6.1

29

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 10
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “LIVING WITH OTHER RELATIVES” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
18
66
43
36
65
1
229

Percentage
8%
28%
19%
16%
28%
<1%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
91
68
32
24
2
12
229

Percentage
40%
30%
14%
10%
1%
5%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
206
18
3
0
1
1
229

Percentage
89%
9%
1%
0%
<1%
<1%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
189
31
2
7
229

Percentage
82%
14%
1%
3%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
8.4
1
.1

Average
8.6
1.1
2.4

30

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 11
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES
CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “ADOPTION” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
0
195
114
67
37
0
413

Percentage
0%
47%
28%
16%
9%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
192
133
58
23
5
2
413

Percentage
46%
32%
14%
6%
1%
<1%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
41
108
112
61
22
69
413

Percentage
10%
26%
27%
15%
5%
17%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
0
0
94
319
413

Percentage
0%
0%
23%
77%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
6.2
3
33.6

Average
6.9
3.5
38.1

31

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 12
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “GUARDIANSHIP” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
17
101
91
63
76
0
348

Percentage
5%
29%
26%
18%
22%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
127
105
52
50
5
9
348

Percentage
37%
30%
15%
14%
1%
3%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
157
68
57
28
13
25
348

Percentage
45%
20%
16%
8%
4%
7%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
51
97
141
59
348

Percentage
15%
28%
40%
17%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
8.5
2
14.3

Average
8.6
2.4
17.7

32

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 13
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASONS OF “REACHING AGE OF MAJORITY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
0
0
0
0
21
172
193

Percentage
0%
0%
0%
0%
11%
89%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
95
49
38
9
0
2
193

Percentage
49%
25%
20%
5%
0%
1%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
16
21
17
30
20
89
193

Percentage
8%
11%
9%
16%
10%
46%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
4
34
44
111
193

Percentage
2%
18%
23%
57%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
18
5
29.3

Average
18.1
6.7
46.9

33

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 14
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “TRANSFER TO ANOTHER AGENCY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
8
28
12
8
38
2
96

Percentage
8%
29%
13%
8%
40%
2%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
34
23
17
20
0
2
96

Percentage
35%
24%
18%
21%
0%
2%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
33
23
10
7
2
21
96

Percentage
35%
24%
10%
7%
2%
22%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
22
38
13
23
96

Percentage
23%
39%
14%
24%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
9.8
2
6.8

Average
9.4
3.5
19.9

34

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 15
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “RUNAWAY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
0
0
0
0
16
2
18

Percentage
0%
0%
0%
0%
89%
11%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
7
7
4
0
0
0
18

Percentage
39%
39%
22%
0%
0%
0%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
13
2
2
0
0
1
18

Percentage
72%
11%
11%
0%
0%
6%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
13
2
1
2
18

Percentage
72%
11%
6%
11%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
17.1
1
.06

Average
16.7
1.6
12.2

35

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 16
NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “DEATH OF CHILD” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING
MARCH 31, 2002
By Age

Number
1
0
0
0
1
0
2

Percentage
50%
0%
0%
0%
50%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
1
0
1
0
0
0
2

Percentage
50%
0%
50%
0%
0%
0%
100%

By Number of Placements
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
More than Five
Total

Number
1
0
0
0
1
0
2

Percentage
50%
0%
0%
0%
50%
0%
100%

By Length of Time in Care
Less than 30 Days
31 Days to 12 Months
13 to 24 Months
More than 24 Months
Total

Number
0
1
0
1
2

Percentage
0%
50%
0%
50%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 - 9
Ages 10 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

By Age
By Number of Placements
By Months of Time in Care

Median
6.7
3
19.2

Average
6.7
3
19.2

36

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

ADOPTIVE CASE PLAN GOALS
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(16) & (17)
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION AND
WHO ARE NOT PLACED IN AN ADOPTIVE HOME AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD.
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION AND
WHO ARE PLACED IN AN ADOPTIVE HOME AT THE END OF THE REPORT PERIOD AND AS
CATEGORIZED BY:
(a) AGE.
(b) ETHNICITY.
(c) AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE.
(d) LEGAL STATUS.
(15)(d) LENGTH OF TIME FROM CHANGE OF CASE PLAN GOAL TO ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT.

The average length of time that a child with a case plan goal of “adoption” has spent in out-ofhome care is 2 years, 9 months.
Chart 14
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY AGE
1000
800
472
43%

600

288
27%

400
200
0

17
1%

4
1%

Under 1

101
27%

1-5

100
27%

6-9

188
17%

94
26%

10-12

Ages of Children
P laced

N= 1,083 Placed

Not P laced

N= 367 Not Placed

37

117
11%

68
19%

13-17

1
<1%

0
0%

18 and Over

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 15
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY ETHNICITY

1000
800
600
400
200

514
47%
195
53%

343
32%
114
31%

156
14%

49
5%

40
11%

0
White

Hispanic

African Am.

12
3%

Am. Indian

7
1%

14
1%

3
1%

Asian

3
1%

Other

E thnicity
P laced

N= 1,083 Placed

Not P laced

N= 367 Not Placed

Chart 16
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY LEGAL STATUS

1600
1200
800
400

744
69%
219
60%

224
21%

115
31%

0
Legally Free

Not F ree
Not P laced

N= 1,083 Placed
N= 367 Not Placed
Partially free refers to a situation where only one of the parent’s rights has been severed.

38

33
9%

P artially Free

Legal S tatus
P laced

115
10%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Chart 17
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BY LENGTH OF TIME FROM CHANGE
OF CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION TO ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT

1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600

605
56%

400
200

75
7%

116
11%

97
9%

95
9%

1 to 3
months

3 to 6
months

6 to 12
months

1 to 2
years

0
Less than
1 month*

34
3%

61
5%

2 to 3
years

3 or more
years

Length of Time

N= 1,083 Placed
*About 70% of children are adopted by relatives or their foster parents and are already in their prospective adoptive placement at the
time the case plan goal changes to adoption.

39

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

ADOPTION SERVICES
A.R.S. §8-526 (A)(18)(a)(b)
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHOSE ADOPTIONS WERE FINALIZED DURING THE REPORTING
PERIOD AND AS CATEGORIZED BY:
(a) AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT BEFORE
ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT.
(b) AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME IN ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT BEFORE
THE FINAL ORDER OF ADOPTION.

There were 413 children with a finalized adoption during the reporting period. Chart 17 displays
the number of children with a finalized adoption during the reporting period by the average length
of time in out-of-home placement before adoptive placement. Chart 18 displays the number of
children with a finalized adoption by average length of time in adoptive placement before the final
order of adoption.

Chart 18
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A FINALIZED ADOPTION BY AVERAGE
LENGTH OF TIME IN OUT-OF-HOME PLACEMENT BEFORE ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT

450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

289
62%

248
60%
88
19%

Less than 1 year

76
18%

43
9%

1 to 2 years

52
13%

2 to 3 years

47
10%

37
9%

More than 3 years

Length of Time
April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N= 467 April 2001 - September 2001
N= 413 October 2001 - March 2002

Chart 19
40

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements
October 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002
____________________________________________________________________________________________

THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A FINALIZED ADOPTION BY AVERAGE
LENGTH OF TIME IN ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT BEFORE THE FINAL ORDER OF ADOPTION

250
160
34%

200
150
100

85
18%

150
36%

124
27%

89
22%

83
20%

98
21%

91
22%

50
0
Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

More than 3 years

Length of Time
April 2001-S eptember 2001

October 2001-March 2002

N=467 April 2001-September 2001
N=413 October 2001-March 2002
*About 70% of children are adopted by relatives or their foster parents and are already in their prospective adoptive placement at the
time the case plan goal changes to adoption.

41