Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-7-208 - Investigations of Child Abuse or Neglect

A. The licensee shall ensure that the following requirements are met and have a written policy and procedure consistent with the requirements of this Chapter for handling alleged and suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect, to include the following provisions:

1. Immediately report a suspected incident of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement and the Department as required by A.R.S. § 13-3620;

2. Notify the Department, and notify the child's Placing Entity or person who placed the child with the Agency;

3. Take precautions to prevent further risk to the child who allegedly suffered the abuse or neglect and potential risk to any other child in care;

4. Contact law enforcement and the Centralized Intake Hotline if a child discloses that they are a victim of a crime, including sex trafficking;

5. Require staff to disclose to the licensee any substantiated finding of abuse or neglect recorded on the Central Registry during the staff's employment;

6. Evaluate staff who have a non-disqualifying act on the Central Registry for suitability to perform their assigned duties; and

7. Advise the Department of any staff who commits or allows child abuse or neglect, in order for the Department to ensure compliance with R21-7-104.

B. The licensee shall require all staff to read and sign a statement describing the duty to report child abuse or neglect under A.R.S. § 13-3620. The licensee shall maintain a copy of this statement in the staff's personnel file.

C. The licensee shall not internally investigate an incident of child abuse or neglect unless the Department approves.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-7-208

New Section made by final rulemaking at 29 A.A.R. 2231, effective 11/6/2023.