First Steps – A Circle Together

STEPS TO STARTING THE FOSTER CARE/ ADOPTION LICENSING PROCESS

STEP 1: ORIENTATION

April 2024 Orientation Schedule:

Thursday at 6pm: 4/11/2024
Saturday 9am: 4/20/2024

Orientation Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88915325819 Meeting ID: 88915325819

(Please just click link to join; no pre-registering required; call or text 602-350-1544 with any questions regarding Orientations or any assistance attending a virtual orientation with ACT).

STEP 2: FINGERPRINTING

All adults in the home (18+) must apply for an AZ DPS Level One Fingerprint Card. It is important to follow the PDF instructions “Step-by-Step.” Please email us at: [email protected] for Fingerprint Instructions with Agency Codes.

STEP 3: APPLICATION

Complete an encrypted application to AZ DES Quick Connect Licensing Portal:

https://form.jotform.com/212384987882069

STEP 4: INITIAL HOME VISIT

Complete the Agency initial home visit in your home (plan for one hour).

We will come to your home by appointment.
We will go over all foster care licensing documents.
We will begin the licensure interview process.
We will complete mock Life Safety Inspection (LSI) of your home. We will inform you of all corrections needed to pass the State LSI.
We will answer all your questions.

Pre-service Training:
***Please see training schedule’s at bottom (April and May 2024). The licensing Agency will provide you for registration steps at Step 4.

The requirements for foster care licensure/ adoption certification can be found on our website at: www.acircletogether.com.

For additional information on Arizona Foster Care/ Adoption, please visit the Arizona DCS Website: www.dcs.az.gov/foster/step3/foster-orientation

We look forward to working with you for Arizona’s Foster Children. We are available 24/7 by phone or text at 602-668-6601. If we do not answer, we are on the other line assisting another caller. Please leave a Voicemail and we will call you right back. Our office is open by appointment only.

Orientation Video Presented by AZDCS

This orientation video explains the need for foster parents in Arizona, the steps on becoming licensed in Arizona, tips for choosing a foster care agency, and it explains some of the realities of foster care. More information can always be found at www.azdcs.gov. It is not mandatory to watch this video. Please feel free to just pick up the phone and give us a call and we’ll be happy to explain foster care licensing and answer any and all questions you may have. More information can found at: https://dcs.az.gov/foster