CHILD WELFARE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD OF
APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

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

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

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 April 1, 2005 and
ending on September 30, 2005.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Reporting period: April 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005)
Page
3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
REPORTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Reports by category of child maltreatment – statewide data
Reports by risk level- statewide data
Communications not meeting definition of report
Reports by risk level- county specific data
Reports by type of child maltreatment – county specific data

6
7
8
10
11

INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS
Investigations by risk level and county – case closed after investigation
Investigations by risk level and county – in-home services provided
Investigations by risk level and county – out-of-home services provided

13
13
14

CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE
New entries by county – petitioned through juvenile court
New entries by county – voluntary foster care placements
All children in care by age
All children in care by ethnicity
All children in care by case plan goal
All children in care by placement type
Children in shelter or receiving homes for more than 21 days
Children in out-of-home care by length of time in care
Children in out-of-home care by legal status
Children receiving required visitation

15
16
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
22

FOSTER HOME LICENSING AND VISITATION ACTIVITY
Foster homes licensed
Foster homes closed
Child bed spaces available
Reason for foster home closure
Number of foster home receiving the required visitation

23
23
23
23
23

CHILDREN LEAVING OUT-OF-HOME CARE
Total number leaving care – For all reasons
Total number leaving care – For reason of reunification with parents
Total number leaving care – For reason of living with other relatives

26
27
28

1

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

Total number leaving care – For reason of adoption
Total number leaving care – For reason of guardianship
Total number leaving care – For reason of reaching age of majority
Total number leaving care – For reason of transfer to another agency
Total number leaving care – For reason of runaway
Total number leaving care – For reason of death of child
CHILD WITH CASE PLAN GOALS OF ADOPTION
Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – age
Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – ethnicity
Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – legal status
Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – length of time
in out-of-home placement before adoption placement
ADOPTIVE SERVICES
Number of children with case plan goals of adoption by – length of time
in adoptive placement before the final order of adoption
Number of children with a finalized adoption by average length of time
in adoptive placement before the final order of adoption

2

29
30
31
32
33
34
35
35
36
36

37
38

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
S.B. 1229
APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

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 April 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005. 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 18,797 reports of child abuse,
neglect and abandonment. Of these reports, 220 were within the jurisdiction of military or tribal
governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. During the reporting period, an additional
11,239 communications were received by Child Protective Services Hotline that did not meet the
criteria of a report.
During the reporting period, there were 1,265 substantiated findings of abuse or neglect. In-home
services were received in 921 of these cases, out-of-home services were received in 693 of these cases,
and 327 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 September 30, 2005, there were 9,906 children in out-of-home care in Arizona. Of the total
number of children in out-of-home care, there were 3,431 children placed with relatives. Two
thousand one hundred seventy (2,170) children of the 9,906 in out-of-home care had a case plan goal
of adoption, and 1,898 of the children with a case plan goal of adoption were placed in an adoptive
home but the adoption had not yet been finalized. Four thousand nine hundred ninety-four (4,994)
children had a case plan goal of “Return to Family”. Seven thousand six hundred two (7,602 or 77%)
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, 3,806 children were in family foster home settings. There were
2,288 licensed foster homes this reporting period. There were vacancies within these foster homes
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.
3

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

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 1,672 (73%)
of 2,288 foster homes this reporting period.
A.R.S. §8-516 also requires supervision of children in foster care. During this reporting period, 9,906
children in out-of-home care required visitation by their Child Protective Services case manager.
Visitation was accurately documented for 6,045 (61%) of these children.
During the reporting period, 3,488 children left the care, custody and control of DES. The following
are the reasons and the number of children who left care: 1,822 of the children were reunified with
their parents or primary caretaker; 304 of the children reached the age of majority; 457 children left
due to a legal guardianship being established; 155 of the children were placed with other relatives; 143
of the children were transferred to another agency; and 30 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 570 children with finalized adoptions.

4

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

Semi-Annual Comparisons

Number of Reports
Number of Reports Substantiated1
Number of Reports Investigated2
Number of Reports Referred to Family Builders
Number of Substantiated Investigations- with No
Services After Investigation is Closed
Number of Substantiated Investigations-In-Home
Services Provided After Investigation is Closed
Number of Substantiated Investigations-Out of
Home Services Provided After Investigation is
Closed
Number of new removals
Number of new removals with Voluntary under 18
Percentage of Annualized Turnover Rate of Staff
Number of Children in Out-of-Home Care on the
Last Day of Reporting Period
Number of Children in Shelter for More than 21
Days
Number and Percentage of Children Receiving
Visitation In the Last Month of Reporting Period
Number and Percentage of Children not
Receiving Visitation
Number and Percentage of Parents Receiving
Visitation
Number of Licensed Foster Homes
Number of Foster Home Spaces Available to
ACYF
Number of New Foster Homes
Number of Foster Homes Closed
Number and Percentage of Foster Homes
Receiving Visitation In the Last Qtr. Of Reporting
Period
Number and Percentage of Foster Homes not
Receiving Visitation
Number of Children Leaving DES Custody
Number of Children With a Case Plan Goal of
Adoption
Number of Children With a Finalized Adoption

Oct 2002 –
Mar 2003

Apr 2003–
Sep 2003

Oct 2003 –
Mar 2004

Apr 2004–
Sep 2004

Oct 2004 Mar 2005

Apr 2005–
Sep 2005

17,470
1,924 (15%)
14,634
2,691
306

18,680
2,299 (17%)
15,729
2,781
565

20,242
2,363 (15%)
17,428
2,628
570

19,165
2,157 (14%)
19,011
1,145
226

18,839
1,734 (11%)
18,663
N/A3
316

18,797
1,265 (8%)
18,577
N/A
327

721

1,035

1,188

780

943

921

662

890

986

581

706

693

2,961
332
23.5%
6,826

3,349
311
27.66%
7,535

3,504
256
N/A4
8,246

3,630
279
N/A
8,839

3,617
118
N/A
9,536

4,078
420
N/A
9,906

1,300

1,323

1,431

1,319

1,127

1,039

4,656 (68%)

4,890 (65%)

5,266 (64%)

5,475 (62%)

6,506 (68%)

6,045 (61%)

2,170 (32%)

2,645 (35%)

2,980 (36%)

3,364 (38%)

3,030 (32%)

3,861 (39%)

858 (55%)

851 (50%)

973 (51%)

1,049 (50%)

1,255(56%)

1,080 (48%)

1,865
3,923

1,892
3,982

2,007
3,691

2,191
4,044

2,267
5,020

2,288
4,905

283
196
1,695 (91%)

308
281
1,606 (85%)

334
219
1,774 (88%)

410
197
1,723 (79%)

400
410
1,791 (79%)

397
258
1,672 (73%)

170 (9%)

286 (15%)

233 (12%)

466 (21%)

476 (21%)

968 (42%)

2,275
1,459

2,528
1,485

2,655
1,629

2,883
1,893

2,726
2,044

3,488
2,170

398

408

380

373

430

570

1

Since the appeals process delays the substantiation of reports, revisions to the substantiation rate for the prior reporting period will occur with every semiannual report produced.

2

Refers to reports assigned for investigation.

3

4

Effective July 1, 2004 reports could no longer be dispositioned to the Family Builders program for investigation.
This performance measure is now reported in the Child Protective Services Accountability Factors Report; pursuant to Laws 2003, 2nd special session,
Chapter 6 (HB 2024). One of the impacts of HB 2024 was to eliminate redundancy in reporting performance measures and turnover rate is not required in
the reporting of the Semi-Annual reporting requirements.

5

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

Reports of Abuse & Neglect
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 April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2005, there were 18,797 incoming communications to the
Child Abuse Hotline which met the criteria of a report of abuse or neglect. Of these, 220 were within
the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments and were referred to those jurisdictions. This
compares to 18,839 incoming communications received during the last reporting period which met the
criteria of a report of abuse or neglect.
As illustrated on the following page, the period covering April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2005,
shows 11,282 or 60% of the 18,797 reports of maltreatment were related to allegations of neglect,
6,139 or 33% of the reports were related to allegations of physical abuse, 1,135 or 6% of the reports
were related to allegations of sexual abuse, and 241 or 1% of the reports were related to allegations of
emotional abuse.
The second pie chart, on the following page, provides the number of reports received by report risk
level for the April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2005 reporting period. Based on the type of
maltreatment described in the report a risk level is assigned to the reports of alleged abuse. The pie
chart shows 3,419 or 18% of the reports received were High Risk reports, 5,226 or 28% of the
reports were Moderate Risk reports, 7,416 or 39% of the reports were classified as Low Risk reports,
and 2,736 or 15% of the reports were Potential risk reports.

Neglect

Physical Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Total

April 2000 - September 2000

9,441

5,311

943

352

16,047

October 2000 - March 2001

9,395

5,668

952

379

16,394

April 2001 - September 2001

10,319

5,383

993

369

17,064

October 2001 – March 2002

10,130

5,995

947

432

17,504

April 2002 - September 2002

10,196

5,515

1,055

338

17,104

October 2002 – March 2003

10,299

5,745

1,052

374

17,470

April 2003 - September 2003

11,314

5,864

1,119

383

18,680

October 2003 – March 2004

11,978

6,695

1,164

405

20,242

April 2004 - September 2004

11,604

6,028

1,178

355

19,165

October 2004 – March 2005

10,950

6,504

1,112

273

18,839

April 2005 - September 2005

11,282

6,139

1,135

241

18,797

6

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY CATEGORY OF MALTREATMENT
FOR PERIOD APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

1,135 6%
Sexual Abuse

241 1%
Emotional Abuse

11,282 60%
Neglect
6,139 33%
Physical Abuse

NUMBER OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY RISK LEVEL
FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

7,416 39%
Low Risk
2,376 15%
Potential Risk

5,226 28%
Moderate Risk

3,419 18%
High Risk

N=18,797
*Reports that are categorized as No Jurisdiction are included in the total for reports received.

7

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

In addition to the 18,797 reports during the current reporting period, the Child Abuse Hotline received
11,239 communications that did not meet the statutory criteria of a report of maltreatment. A random
sample of these communications is contained in the chart below.

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

Number of Communications

70

64
71%

60
50
40
30

16
19%

20
1
1%

10

3
3%

3
3%

3
3%

E

F

G

0
0%

0
A

B

C

D
Categories

N=90

A = Concern Only/No Allegation of Child Abuse or Neglect
B = Out of CPS Jurisdiction
C = Call Appropriate for Law Enforcement Jurisdiction5
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.

5

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.

8

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

Child Protective Services: Investigations
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. Effective July 1, 2004 all reports are being investigated by the Department. The
Family Builders providers will be utilized in providing additional services to aid families while the
Department will be responsible for the investigation.
Investigation data for the current reporting period:
•

18,797 reports appropriate for investigation

•

220 reports fell within the jurisdiction of military or tribal governments

•

18,577 reports investigated by CPS

•

100% response rate achieved for period

The Department would like to acknowledge the performance audit, Timeliness and Thoroughness of
Investigations, issued in December of 2005 by the Office of the Auditor General. We continue to take
steps to improve our investigative performance and our delivery of services to children and families.
The eleven reports referred to by the Auditor General as not having been investigated were not
received during the current reporting period. Each report during this reporting period has been
investigated and is reflected in our 100% investigation rate for this report.
The following tables display investigations by risk level, category of maltreatment, and county. The
numbers displayed in the tables include reports that fall within the jurisdiction of military or
tribalxgovernments.

9

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY
FOR PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

HIGH
27
79
89
44
7
9
21
2,073
124
88
440
202
26
91
99
3,419
18%

MODERATE
23
157
106
68
34
5
20
2,919
219
83
966
279
17
198
132
5,226
28%

LOW
26
213
171
77
46
14
20
4,081
310
127
1,486
375
36
276
158
7,416
39%

POTENTIAL
13
58
57
34
16
2
7
1,503
91
47
579
135
15
104
75
2,736
15%

TOTAL
89
507
423
223
103
30
68
10,576
744
345
3,471
991
94
669
464
18,797
100%

% OF TOTAL
<1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
56%
4%
2%
18%
5%
1%
4%
2%
100%

NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY
FOR PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

HIGH
10
97
72
37
13
4
16
2,070
109
61
426
174
20
98
90
3,297
18%

MODERATE
19
144
104
71
34
14
13
2,713
176
61
934
221
20
198
127
4,849
26%

10

LOW
49
196
145
85
43
10
21
4,452
298
108
1,560
380
44
285
179
7,855
41%

POTENTIAL
16
85
47
42
13
6
7
1,588
89
32
586
137
13
107
70
2,838
15%

TOTAL
94
522
368
235
103
34
57
10,823
672
262
3,506
912
97
688
466
18,839
100%

% OF TOTAL
<1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
56%
4%
1%
19%
5%
1%
4%
2%
100%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY TYPE OF MALTREATMENT AND COUNTY
FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

EMOTIONAL
ABUSE
0
7
3
2
4
1
1
120
4
5
66
13
0
8
7
241
1%

NEGLECT
64
302
258
154
64
20
42
6,306
490
242
1,941
604
52
431
312
11,282
60%

PHYSICAL
ABUSE
20
177
138
52
28
8
20
3,526
208
77
1,227
312
40
185
121
6,139
33%

SEXUAL
ABUSE
5
21
24
15
7
1
5
624
42
21
237
62
2
45
24
1,135
6%

TOTAL

% OF TOTAL

89
507
423
223
103
30
68
10,576
744
345
3,471
991
94
669
464
18,797
100%

<1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
56%
4%
2%
18%
5%
1%
4%
2%
100%

NUMBER OF REPORTS RESPONDED TO BY TYPE OF MALTREATMENT AND COUNTY
FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE
% OF TOTAL

EMOTIONAL
ABUSE
1
10
7
2
1
2
1
136
4
4
75
9
1
13
7
273
1%

NEGLECT
58
299
208
156
60
23
42
6,294
408
163
1,906
573
45
430
285
10,950
58%

PHYSICAL
ABUSE
31
181
128
67
34
5
13
3,774
220
79
1,315
272
46
205
134
6,504
35%

11

SEXUAL
ABUSE
4
32
25
10
8
4
1
619
40
16
210
58
5
40
40
1,112
6%

TOTAL

% OF TOTAL

94
522
368
235
103
34
57
10,823
672
262
3,506
912
97
688
466
18,839
100%

<1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
57%
4%
1%
19%
5%
1%
4%
2%
100%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

SUBSTANTIATED INVESTIGATIONS
During the reporting period 15,867 reports were investigated and subject to substantiation, with 8% or
1,265 of the reports resulting in a substantiated finding of child abuse or neglect.6 This compares to a
revised substantiation rate of 11%, or 1,734 reports, for the period of October 2004 through March
2005. In addition, during the reporting period, April 2005 through September 2005, there were 301
reports that have been proposed to be substantiated and are waiting to proceed through the appeal
process.
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 investigations by the
total number of investigations. 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 8%
substantiation rate for this period will be revised in the next report.
The following three tables show the number of substantiated CPS investigations by county and risk
level. Of the reports with substantiated findings that were closed after investigation, one or more of
the following actions took place: the parent(s) refused services7; 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.

6

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

7

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.”

12

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH THE
8
CASE WAS CLOSED AFTER INVESTIGATION BY RISK LEVEL AND COUNTY FOR THE
PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

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
1
4
3
0
0
2
22
1
0
11
5
0
5
4
58
18%

1
12
1
2
3
0
1
43
3
2
28
11
1
5
3
116
35%

1
9
8
2
2
0
1
64
2
1
48
5
1
7
2
153
47%

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

2
22
13
7
5
0
4
129
6
3
87
21
2
17
9
327
100%

1%
7%
4%
2%
2%
0%
1%
38%
2%
1%
27%
6%
1%
5%
3%
100%

NUMBER OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS AFTER INVESTIGATION
IN WHICH IN-HOME SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY RISK LEVEL AND BY COUNTY FOR
THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
COUNTY

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

8

HIGH

MODERATE

LOW

POTENTIAL

TOTAL

% OF TOTAL

1
8
6
9
2
2
4
139
16
15
111
18
1
16
15
363
39%

0
20
11
3
3
0
1
92
9
7
103
16
3
22
11
301
33%

2
8
7
0
4
0
0
100
8
5
87
8
0
17
11
257
28%

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

3
36
24
12
9
2
5
331
33
27
301
42
4
55
37
921
100%

<1%
4%
3%
1%
1%
<1%
1%
35%
4%
3%
32%
5%
<1%
6%
4%
100%

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.

13

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER OF REPORTS WITH SUBSTANTIATED FINDINGS IN WHICH OUT-OF-HOME
SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY RISK LEVEL AND BY COUNTY FOR
THE PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
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
7
6
8
1
2
3
124
14
12
104
18
1
15
12
329
47%

0
19
8
2
2
0
1
48
8
2
79
14
3
17
4
207
30%

2
5
3
0
4
0
0
46
6
3
63
7
0
10
8
157
23%

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

4
31
17
10
7
2
4
218
28
17
246
39
4
42
24
693
100%

1%
4%
2%
1%
1%
<1%
1%
31%
4%
2%
36%
6%
1%
6%
3%
100%

14

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE
During the reporting period April 2005 through September 2005, 4,078 children were removed from
their home for some period of time. The table below shows the new removals for the period by
county.
There were four newborn infants delivered to Safe Haven providers during the April 2005 –
September 2005 reporting period. This compares to one infant being delivered to Safe Haven
Providers during the October 2004 – March 2005 reporting period.

NUMBER OF CHILDREN ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY COUNTY FOR THE
PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

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

NUMBER OF CHILDREN
29
135
67
42
31
10
10
2,080
106
102
904
263
27
186
86
4,078

% OF TOTAL
1%
3%
2%
1%
1%
<1%
<1%
50%
3%
3%
21%
6%
1%
5%
2%
100%

The following table shows the children, under the age of 18, who entered the foster care system
through a voluntary placement by county for the current reporting period. 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

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE ENTERING OUT-OF-HOME
CARE DUE TO A VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT BY COUNTY FOR PERIOD OF
APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
COUNTY
APACHE
COCHISE
COCONINO
GILA
GRAHAM
GREENLEE
LA PAZ
MARICOPA
MOHAVE
NAVAJO
PIMA
PINAL
SANTA CRUZ
YAVAPAI
YUMA
STATEWIDE

NUMBER OF CHILDREN
3
8
7
0
2
1
2
288
36
14
34
5
3
12
5
420

16

% OF TOTAL
1%
2%
2%
0%
<1%
<1%
<1%
68%
9%
3%
8%
1%
1%
3%
1%
100%

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES POSITIONS
There were 44 authorized Child Protective Services Specialist positions vacant on September 30,
2005.
VACANCIES BY REPORTING PERIOD

200
APR04-SEP04
185

NUMBER OF VACANCIES

180
160
140
120
100

APR02-SEP02
70.5

80

20
0

OCT04-MAR05
107

APR01-SEP01
39

60
40

APR03-SEP03
65

APR00-SEP00
18

OCT01-MAR02
54

OCT02-MAR03
47

OCT00-MAR01
4

17

OCT03-MAR04
54

APR05-SEP05
44

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE
On September 30, 2005, there were 9,906 children in out-of-home care. During the reporting period
of April 1, 2005 through September 30, 2005 there were 4,078 children removed from their home for
some period of time.
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY AGE
4000
3,398
34%

3500

3,190
34%

Number of Children

2,590
27%

2,653
27%

3000
2500
2000
1,334 1,266
13%
13%

1500
749
8%

1000

1,450
15%

1,472
15%

677
7%

322
3%

341
4%

500
0
Under 1

1-5

6-8

9-12

13-17

18 and Over

Ages of Children
September 30, 2005, N=9,906

March 31, 2005, N=9,536

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY ETHNICITY
6,000

Number of Children

5,000

4,299
43%
4,159
44%
3,381
34%

4,000

3,233
34%

3,000
2,000

1,187 1,209
12% 13%

696
7%

646
6%

1,000

62
1%

55
1%

281
3%

234
2%

0
White

Hispanic

African Am

Am Indian

Asian

Ethnicity
September 30, 2005, N=9,906

March 31, 2005, N=9,536

18

Other

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY CASE PLAN GOAL
6,000
5,500

4,994
51%

5,000

4,929
52%

Number of Children

4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,179
22%

2,500

2,057
22%

2,000
1,183
12%

1,500
1,000

415
4%

500

429
4%

398
4%

1,139
12%
639
6%

434
5%

67
1%

63
1%

516
4%

0
Return to Family

Live With Other
Relatives

Adoption

Long Term Foster Independent Living
Care

Guardianship

Case Plan Goal
Being Developed

Case Plan Goals
September 30, 2005, N=9,906

March 31, 2005, N=9,536

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY PLACEMENT TYPE
4,500
4,000

Number of Children

3,500

3,806
39%
3,431
35%

3,633
38%

3,120
33%

3,000
2,500
2,000
1,328
13%

1,500

1,406
15%
708
7%

1,000

738
8%
235
2%

500

233
2%

272
3%

285
3%

126
1%

121
1%

0
Relative

Family Foster
Home*

Group Home

Residential
Treatment

Independent Living

Runaway

Out-of-Home Placement Types

September 30, 2005, N=9,906

March 31, 2005, N=9,536

* Category includes some relative placements.

19

Trial Home Visit

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

During the reporting period, 1,039 children remained in a shelter or receiving home for more than 21
consecutive days. (See Chart Below) For the period of April 2005 through September 2005, 646 or
62% of the children were six years of age or older. In addition, 39 or 4% of the children were under
one year.

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN IN SHELTER OR RECEIVING HOMES
FOR MORE THAN 21 CONSECUTIVE DAYS BY AGE OF CHILD
800

Number of Children

700
600

491
44%

500
354
34%

400
300

100

165
16%

46
4%

200
39
4%

311
30%

169
15%
156
15%

271
24%

135
12%
14
1%

15
1%

0
Under 1 year

1-5

6-8

9-12

13-17

18 and over

Ages of Children
September 30, 2005, N=1,039

March 31, 2005, N=1,127

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LENGTH OF TIME IN CARE
6000
4,649
47%

Number of Children

5000

4,515
47%

4000
2,360
24%

3000

2,285
24%

2,304
23%

2,201
23%

2000
1000

593
6%

535
6%

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
September 30, 2005, N=9,906

March 31, 2005, N=9,536

20

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE BY LEGAL STATUS
4,500
4,000

3,890
39%

3,764
38% 3,564
37%

3,764
39%

Number of Children

3,500
3,000
1,802
18%

2,500
2,000

1,775
19%

1,500
1,000
500

6
3
<1% <1%

167
2%

156
1%

182
2%

189
2%

37
21
<1% <1%

74
1%

48
1%

0
Adjudicated
Dependent
Only

Legally Free
for Adoption

Temporary
Custody

Partially Free
for Adoption

Voluntary
Placement
Under 18

Voluntary
Placement
Over 18

Dually
Adjudicated

Other

Legal Status
September 30, 2005, N=9,906

March 31, 2005, N=9,536

At the end of the reporting period there were 9,906 children in out-of-home care who required
visitation. Of these children, visitation was accurately documented in the automated system for 6,045
children or 61%.
The required child visitation is performed monthly by DES case managers, contracted case managers,
and/or other professionals as approved by supervisor or as established by policy. The Department has
verified that more children received the required visitation than is indicated in the chart below, which
displays the number of children receiving the required visitation. 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.

21

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION
8,000
7,000

Number of Children

6,000

6,506
68%

6,045
61%

3,861
39%

5,000

3,030
32%

4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Number Visited

Number Not Visited

September 2005, N=9,906

March 2005, N=9,536

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
2,255 parents who had a child with the case plan goal of return home. Of those parents requiring the
visitation, 1,080 or 48% received the required visitation. The 48% visitation rate does not reflect
attempted visitation where contact did not take place.

22

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

FOSTER HOMES
As of September 30, 2005 there were 2,288 licensed foster homes with 4,905 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 September 30, 2005 there were 1,099 unused spaces within these foster homes. Approximately
663 of the 1,099 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.
During the reporting period, 397 new homes were licensed to provide foster care and 258 homes left
the system. This compares to 400 new homes being licensed and 410 homes leaving the system for the
period covering October 2004 through March 2005.
The chart below gives the reasons for foster home closures for the period of April 1, 2005 through
September 30, 2005.
REASON FOR FOSTER HOME CLOSURE FOR THE PERIOD OF
APRIL 1, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2005

Number of Foster Homes

250
200

136
53%

150
100
50

49
19%

27
10%

19
7%

8
3%

9
3%

9
3%

1
<1%

0
0%

H

I

0
A

B

C

D

E

F

G

Closure Reasons

N= 258

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

23

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

During the reporting period, there were 2,288 foster homes that required visitation. Of those homes,
1,672 or 73% received the required visitation. This compares to 1,791 or 79% of the foster homes that
received the required visitation for the period October 2004 through March 2005. The Department
believes that more foster homes received the required visitation than is indicated in the chart below.
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.

THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF FOSTER HOMES
WHO RECEIVED THE REQUIRED VISITATION*
2,500

Number of Homes

2,000

1,791
79%

1,672
73%

1,500
616
27%

1,000

476
21%

500

0
Number Visited

Number Not Visited

April 2005-September 2005, N=2,288

October 2004-March 2005, N=2,267

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

24

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

CHILDREN EXITING OUT-OF-HOME CARE
During the reporting period 3,488 children left the custody of the Department. This compares to 2,726
children exiting care during the prior reporting period. The comparison between the two reporting
periods shows that 28% more children left care this reporting, compared to last.
CHILDREN DISCHARGED BY PERIOD
NUMBER OF
CHILDREN
DISCHARGED
2,598
2,337
2,394
2,417
2,376
2,275
2,528
2,655
2,883
2,726
3,488

APRIL 2000 – SEPTEMBER 2000
OCTOBER 2000 – MARCH 2000
APRIL 2001 – SEPTEMBER 2001
OCTOBER 2001 – MARCH 2002
APRIL 2002 – SEPTEMBER 2002
OCTOBER 2002 – MARCH 2003
APRIL 2003 – SEPTEMBER 2003
OCTOBER 2003 – MARCH 2004
APRIL 2004 – SEPTEMBER 2004
OCTOBER 2004 – MARCH 2005
APRIL 2004 – SEPTEMBER 2004

% CHANGE
OVER PRIOR
PERIOD
+11%
-10%
+2%
+1%
-2%
-4%
+11%
+5%
+9%
-5%
+28%

The following nine tables depict the children who exited out-of-home care by the reason for leaving
care. The tables display the following information: reasons the child left custody, their age, their
ethnicity, the number of placements each child had, the length of time in out-of-home care.

25

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY FOR THE END OF THE
REPORTING PERIOD ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
207
1,160
478
559
803
281
3,488

Percentage
6%
33%
14%
16%
23%
8%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
1,552
1,142
419
222
27
126
3,488

Percentage
44%
33%
12%
6%
1%
4%
100%

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

Number
1,879
717
340
191
102
259
3,488

Percentage
54%
21%
10%
5%
3%
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
1,037
1,012
716
723
3,488

Percentage
29%
29%
21%
21%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
8.33
1.00
8.65

Average
8.98
2.39
15.05

26

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “REUNIFICATION WITH PARENTS OR PRIMARY CARETAKER” FOR THE
REPORTING PERIOD ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
143
596
245
289
542
7
1,822

Percentage
8%
32%
13%
16%
30%
<1%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
806
601
193
124
10
88
1,822

Percentage
43%
33%
11%
7%
1%
5%
100%

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

Number
1,163
368
135
71
39
46
1,822

Percentage
64%
20%
7%
4%
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
744
735
242
101
1,822

Percentage
41%
40%
13%
6%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 – 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
8.19
1.00
2.57

Average
8.59
1.72
6.60

27

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “LIVING WITH OTHER RELATIVES” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
16
44
28
36
31
0
155

Percentage
10%
29%
18%
23%
20%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
60
42
27
15
5
6
155

Percentage
39%
27%
17%
10%
3%
4%
100%

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

Number
137
12
2
0
1
3
155

Percentage
88%
8%
1%
0%
1%
2%
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
121
32
1
1
155

Percentage
78%
21%
<1%
<1%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
7.32
1.00
.13

Average
7.95
1.14
1.13

28

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES
CUSTODY FOR REASON OF “ADOPTION” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
0
326
103
102
39
0
570

Percentage
0%
57%
18%
18%
7%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
269
201
62
27
5
6
570

Percentage
47%
35%
11%
5%
1%
1%
100%

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

Number
171
170
109
51
25
44
570

Percentage
30%
30%
19%
9%
4%
8%
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
2
7
191
370
570

Percentage
<1%
1%
34%
64%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
5.28
2.00
26.78

Average
6.12
2.59
29.50

29

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “GUARDIANSHIP” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
24
137
85
110
101
0
457

Percentage
5%
30%
19%
24%
22%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
201
141
72
24
5
14
457

Percentage
44%
31%
16%
5%
1%
3%
100%

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

Number
260
105
41
24
13
14
457

Percentage
57%
23%
9%
5%
3%
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
71
136
208
42
457

Percentage
16%
30%
45%
9%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
8.37
1.00
13.82

Average
8.44
1.85
13.28

30

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASONS OF “REACHING AGE OF MAJORITY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
0
0
0
0
30
274
304

Percentage
0%
0%
0%
0%
10%
90%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
145
94
47
15
2
1
304

Percentage
47%
31%
15%
5%
1%
<1%
100%

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

Number
30
32
35
41
21
145
304

Percentage
10%
11%
12%
13%
7%
47%
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
6
42
56
200
304

Percentage
2%
14%
18%
66%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
18.00
5.00
37.24

Average
18.38
7.88
53.81

31

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “TRANSFER TO ANOTHER AGENCY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
21
53
17
22
30
0
143

Percentage
15%
37%
12%
15%
21%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
51
52
16
16
0
8
143

Percentage
36%
36%
11%
11%
0%
6%
100%

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

Number
87
27
16
4
3
6
143

Percentage
61%
19%
11%
3%
2%
4%
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
63
54
18
8
143

Percentage
43%
38%
13%
6%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
5.47
1.00
2.50

Average
7.11
1.89
6.99

32

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “RUNAWAY” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
0
0
0
0
30
0
30

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

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
17
7
2
1
0
3
30

Percentage
57%
23%
7%
3%
0%
10%
100%

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

Number
28
1
1
0
0
0
30

Percentage
94%
3%
3%
0%
0%
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
27
3
0
0
30

Percentage
90%
10%
0%
0%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
15.92
1.00
.90

Average
15.74
1.10
.40

33

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN LEAVING DES CUSTODY
FOR REASON OF “DEATH OF CHILD” FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2005
By Age

Number
3
3
0
0
1
0
7

Percentage
43%
43%
0%
0%
14%
0%
100%

Ethnicity
White
Hispanic
African American
American Indian
Asian
Other
Total

Number
3
4
0
0
0
0
7

Percentage
43%
57%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%

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

Number
3
2
1
0
0
1
7

Percentage
43%
29%
14%
0%
0%
14%
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
3
3
0
1
7

Percentage
43%
43%
0%
14%
100%

Under 1
Ages 1 - 5
Ages 6 – 8
Ages 9 - 12
Ages 13 - 17
18 and Over
Total

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

Median
1.36
2.00
1.32

Average
3.77
2.43
5.39

Of the seven children who exited the foster care system for reason of death, one was attributable to child abuse or
neglect.

34

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

CHILDREN WITH ADOPTIVE CASE PLAN GOALS
The average length of time that a child with a case plan goal of “adoption” has spent in out-of-home
care is 2 years, 3 months.

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY AGE
1400
1048
56%

Number of Children

1200
1000
800
600

351
18%

400
200

33
2%

332
17%

77
28%

5
2%

92
34%

47
17%

134
7%

51
19%

0
0%

0
0%

0
Under 1

1-5

6-8

9-12

13-17

18 and Over

Ages of Children
Placed, N=1,898

Not Placed, N=272

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WITH A CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION BY ETHNICITY
1000
811
42%

Number of Children

800

671
35%

600

400
156
57%

200

248
13%
73
27%

29
11%

108
6%

9
3%

7
<1%

3
1%

53
3%

2
1%

0
White

Hispanic

African Am.

Am. Indian

Asian

Ethnicity
Placed, N=1,898

Not Placed, N=272

35

Other

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

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

1200
998
53%

Number of Children

1000

800

600

463
24%

437
23%

400
152
56%

200

66
24%

54
20%

0
Legally Free

Not Free

Partially Free*

Legal Status
Placed, N=1,898

Not Placed, N=272

*Partially free refers to a situation where only one of the parent’s rights has been severed.

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BY LENGTH OF TIME FROM CHANGE
OF CASE PLAN GOAL OF ADOPTION TO ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT
1,600

Number of Children

1,400
1,200

1,122
58%

1,000
800
600
400

89
5%

200

148
8%

202
11%

204
11%

6 to 12
months

1 to 2 years

71
4%

63
3%

2 to 3 years

3 or more
years

0

Less than 1
month*

1 to 3 months 3 to 6 months

Length of Time
Placed, N=1,898

*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.

36

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

ADOPTIVE SERVICES
There were 570 children with a finalized adoption during the reporting period. The chart below
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.

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

500
450

Number of Children

400
350
300

383
68%
283
66%

250
200
114
20%

150
100

75
17%

50

25
4%

37
9%

48
8%

35
8%

0
Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

More than 3 years

Length of Time
April 2005-September 2005, N=570

October 2004-March 2005, N=430

37

Child Welfare Reporting Requirements

April 1, 2005 – September 30, 2005

The chart below displays the number of children with a finalized adoption by average length of time in
adoptive placement before the final order of adoption.
THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WITH A FINALIZED ADOPTION BY AVERAGE
LENGTH OF TIME IN ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT BEFORE THE FINAL ORDER OF ADOPTION

300

260
45%

Number of Children

250
192
45%

200

167
29%
128
30%

150
100
18%
100

91
21%
43
8%

50

19
4%

0
Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

More than 3 years

Length of Time
April 2005-September 2005, N=570

October 2004-March 2005, N=430

*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.

38