Licensing Resources

Arizona Foster Care Resources

Life Safety Inspection Items, Beds, and Cribs

The Foster Alliance (formerly Arizona Helping Hands):

  • Provides free safety kits for life-safety compliance (e.g., smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, outlet covers).

  • Operates a Phoenix Resource Center (walk-in hours Mon–Thu and Friday mornings) and also serves Flagstaff through walk-ins and mobile delivery.

DCS Warm Line

DCS Warm Line (1-877-KIDSNEEDU → Option 3) for support when case managers are unavailable.

 

Clothing

Helen’s Hope Chest: Since 2009, Helen’s Hope Chest has offered a boutique-style shopping experience for children in foster and kinship care. Kids can choose items—like new or gently used clothing, shoes, pajamas, undergarments, accessories, and more—every three months at no cost.

Jose’s Closet: Provides items needed to make a foster child feel welcome in their new home: clothes, shoes, toys & games, books, and more.  

Youth Activity Funding/ Scholarships/ Amusement Park Fee's

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation creates opportunities to build self-esteem and empower children and youth in foster care by funding items and services to enrich their life experiences and ensure their successful transition to adulthood.

 

Child Care and Head Start Programs

Arizona CCR&R (Child Care Resource & Referral)

  • Referral and support line:
    1-800-308-9000 (toll-free)
    Available Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Arizona Child Care Resource & ReferralFirst Things First

  • Services provided:

    • Find child care providers near you—including licensed centers, family child care homes, and group homes

    • Access information on state licensing requirements and quality standards

    • Get assistance with selecting and evaluating providers

    • Learn about child care financial support like subsidies and assistance programs

 

Head Start serves children ages 3 to 5, offering early education, health, nutrition, family support, and parent involvement.

Early Head Start supports children from birth to age 3, providing prenatal support, early childhood development, and family services

 

Insurance

Provider Indemnity Program (PIP): PIP provides liability coverage for foster parents in the following situations:

  • Acts of Children in Foster Care: If a foster child causes damage to property or injury to others while under the foster parent’s care, PIP may provide coverage.

  • Allegations of Abuse or Neglect: If a foster parent is accused of abuse or neglect, PIP may offer legal defense and coverage for related claims.

  • Property Damage: PIP may cover property damage caused by the foster child, including damage to the foster parent’s home or personal belongings.

It’s important to note that PIP does not cover personal injuries sustained by the foster parent or injuries to the foster child.

 

DCS Mercy Care Insurance:

The DCS CHP is a statewide health plan designed specifically for children in foster care, offering:

 

  • Medical Home: A designated primary care provider to oversee and coordinate all healthcare needs. 

  • Integrated Services: Coordination of physical, dental, and behavioral health services. 

  • Specialized Care: Access to services tailored to the unique needs of children in foster care.