November 2025 Issue 92

National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day, observed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year, is a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and the unique bonds created through adoption, particularly in the context of foster care. This special day brings to the forefront the remarkable journeys of countless children who have found safe, permanent homes and the loving dedication of the foster parents and adoptive families who welcome them with open arms.

National Adoption Day is a day to recognize and applaud the transformative power of adoption, specifically within the foster care system. This annual event serves as a reminder of the importance of providing stable and loving homes for children who have faced adversity, displacement, and uncertainty in their young lives.

If you are subscribed to this newsletter, you likely already understand the importance of adoption through foster care. However, there is a much larger portion of our communities that do not have that knowledge. Here's how you can help:

• Stories of Adoption: Sharing personal adoption stories is a powerful way to inspire and educate others. Many families choose to tell their stories during this month to help prospective adoptive parents understand the beauty of adoption. Adoption through foster care is particularly intimidating, but putting a face and a family to the process may help people to see that it's not an insurmountable challenge. The Child Welfare Information Gateway has links to the stories of several adoptive families that you can share on your social media!
• Fundraisers and Donations: Arizona has a plethora of agencies and organizations that support foster care, either by supporting the families through licensure or providing them with tangible items and services. Consider making a financial contribution (or asking your family/friends/community) to a Qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization and receive a credit on your Arizona State Tax Return. You can also donate money or material goods to one of DCS's partnering foster care organizations.
• Volunteer: Throughout the year, DCS holds events for children in foster care that are legally available for adoption. In an effort to find permanent homes for these children, their profile is shared on the Children's Heart Gallery, and these events contain a photo shoot and interview amid a day of fun and pampering, thanks to local photographers and hairstylists. Volunteers are needed for both of those jobs, as well as chaperones to guide the children between each station.

If you are post-adoption and need assistance with subsidy, AHCCCS, or any other DCS-related issues, please contact your subsidy worker:

• Phoenix Adoption Subsidy Program (Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai) 602-771-6470
• Tucson Adoption Subsidy Program (Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yuma) 520-885-8002

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vast tapestry of Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and contributions that enrich the nation's history and its diverse population. It serves to increase awareness, foster appreciation, and build bridges of understanding among all Americans. During this month, events, educational programs, and cultural celebrations take place to showcase the profound legacy of Native Americans.

For Native American children in foster care, maintaining connections to their cultural heritage is essential for several reasons:

• Cultural Identity: A strong cultural identity provides a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and pride. By staying connected to their Native roots, children in care can develop a positive self-image and a deeper understanding of who they are.
• Healing and Resilience: Many Indigenous communities believe in the healing power of cultural practices and traditions. Engaging in ceremonies, storytelling, and traditional arts can help children in care cope with past traumas and build resilience.
• Community Support: Native American communities often serve as a source of support and strength. By maintaining connections, children in care can access a network of people who understand their unique experiences and can offer guidance and mentorship.
• Legacy and Heritage: Preserving cultural connections ensures that the rich legacy of Indigenous traditions and knowledge is passed down to future generations. It keeps the flame of tradition alive, celebrating the contributions of Native American ancestors.

To keep children in DCS care connected to their Native American heritage, it is essential to implement thoughtful and culturally sensitive strategies:

• Cultural Competency Training: Foster care professionals and caregivers should receive cultural competency training to better understand the specific needs and challenges faced by Native American children in foster care.
• Culturally Relevant Education: Ensure that children in care have access to culturally relevant educational resources that include Native American history, language, and traditions.
• Access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers: Children in foster care should have opportunities to interact with tribal elders and knowledge keepers who can impart traditional wisdom and cultural knowledge.
• Celebrating Cultural Events: Participate in community celebrations, powwows, and cultural events that allow children in care to immerse themselves in the traditions and rituals of their heritage.
• Connecting with Tribal Resources: Foster families should work closely with tribal authorities and organizations to access support, resources, and cultural guidance for the children in their care.

There are several resources to help support Native children in DCS care, such as:

• Official Native American Heritage Month website
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration American Indian and Alaska Native Culture Card: A Guide to Build Cultural Awareness (download)
• Phoenix Indian Center
• Arizona Department of Economic Security Office of Tribal Relations Resources
• Heard Museum

ICWA

What is ICWA?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that was passed in 1978 in response to the alarmingly high number of American Indian children being removed from their families by both public and private agencies. The purpose of the law is to “protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families.” ICWA sets federal requirements that apply to state child custody proceedings involving an Indian child who is a member of, or eligible for membership in, a federally recognized tribe. Child custody proceedings under ICWA include hearings focused on foster care placement, termination of parental rights, and adoption.

How does ICWA protect American Indian children and their families?

When ICWA applies to a child’s case, the child’s tribe and family will have an opportunity to be involved in decisions affecting services and placements for the Indian child. A tribe, parent, or Indian custodian can also petition to transfer jurisdiction of the case to the tribal court of the child’s tribe. ICWA sets out federal requirements regarding removal and placement of Indian children in foster, guardianship, or adoptive homes, and allows the child’s tribe to intervene in the case.

Who is covered by ICWA?

American Indian children involved in state child custody proceedings are covered by ICWA. A person may define his or her identity as Indian, but in order for ICWA to apply, the involved child must be an Indian child as defined by the law. Under federal law, individual tribes have the right to determine eligibility, membership, or both. However, in order for ICWA to apply, the child must be a member of, or eligible for membership in, a federally recognized tribe. The state must apply ICWA even if the tribe does not intervene.

What considerations should be made in an ICWA case?

Caseworkers must make several considerations when handling an ICWA case, including:

• Providing active efforts to the family
• Identifying a placement that fits under the ICWA preference provisions
• Notifying the child’s tribe and the child’s parents in a timely manner of the child custody proceeding
• Working actively to involve the child’s tribe, the child’s parents, and the child’s extended family in the proceedings and other important casework decisions

What are "active efforts?"

States are required to provide active efforts to families, and the court will be asked to determine whether active efforts have been made. Active efforts are defined as the affirmative, active, thorough, and timely efforts intended primarily to maintain or reunite an Indian child with his or her family.

ICWA mandates the state to make active efforts in every ICWA case in two areas:

• Provide services to the family to prevent removal of an Indian child from his or her parent or Indian custodian
• Reunify an Indian child with his or her parent or Indian custodian after removal

A cornerstone in the application of active efforts is active and early participation and consultation with the child’s tribe in all case planning decisions. Additionally, active efforts are different from “reasonable efforts.” For example, reasonable efforts might be only a referral for services, but active efforts would be to arrange for the best-fitting, culturally appropriate services; helping families overcome obstacles to engage in those services (such as by arranging transportation); and following up on the family’s impression of whether those services were successful or how services may need to change. ICWA’s provisions, including those for active efforts, apply whether or not the child’s tribe is involved in the custody proceedings.

I am a non-Native foster or adoptive parent with an Indian child placed in my home. What should I know about ICWA, the cross-cultural needs of my child, and establishing a relationship with my child’s tribe?

ICWA requires that states place Indian children in foster care first with their extended family. If this is not possible, placement should be with a foster family licensed or approved by the child’s tribe. If neither of these options is available, then placement should be with an Indian family licensed by a non-Indian agency, such as a state agency. For adoptions, the placement preferences are first with extended family, then a family of the child’s tribe, then another Indian family.

It is important to help the child understand his or her tribal heritage and support the healthy development of their Indian identity. Studies show that children who grow up disconnected from their Indian heritage have higher rates of mental health and identity disorders, while children who remain connected with their communities and culture are more resilient or “bounce back” better from trauma (such as abuse or neglect). While there are various books and internet sites that contain general information on Indian culture, it is best if caregivers work with the child’s tribe and extended family when possible to provide specific and culturally appropriate information and resources.

A good relationship with the child’s tribe is important to the child’s development. Caregivers can contact the tribe’s Indian child welfare department and see how they can assist in making meaningful connections and identify appropriate resources. Caregivers can also connect with their local urban Indian community center to identify resources and help the child engage with the local Indian community.

• ICWA FAQ
• More Info
• ICWA Designated Agents Listing
• DCS Program Policy: Chapter 6: Indian Child Welfare Act

Holiday Travel Guidelines

With several holidays coming up in the next few months, here is a reminder of the DCS Travel Guidelines, per the DCS Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard.

• Bio parent permission is NOT needed for any sort of travel. It is best practice and common courtesy to let them know about travel plans. If they wish to do so, they can file a motion with the court to object to it, but it is not in DCS policy or Arizona law that their permission is needed.

• Bear in mind that you do NOT need DCS Specialist permission for in-state or out-of-state travel of less than 7 days. You simply need to inform them of the plan and how you can be contacted. 24-48 hours should be sufficient notice. NOTE: If there are court-ordered services, such as parenting time, that will be affected by this travel, you WILL need DCS Specialist permission.

• The DCS Specialist can deny out-of-state travel of more than 7 days, however the only major considerations should be if the child has medical needs (i.e. they need regular medical treatments that they would not be able to get while out of state) or if there is court-ordered parenting time (not the standard parenting time that DCS is required to provide, as those sessions can be made up. In this case, court-ordered means that DCS has been specifically ordered by the court to ensure that the child is at the session). There may be other issues at play, but they should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• If you wish to travel out of the country with the child (including cruises where the child does not leave the ship), you will need permission of the court and a passport for the child. First, notify the DCS Specialist as soon as you know the dates and destination. They will file a Motion for Out of Country Travel, which is what will grant you permission to take the child. They will also file a Motion to Apply for a Passport. It must have the caregiver's name listed as the person who will be granted permission to apply for the passport, otherwise it defaults to DCS. This motion should be filed at least 30 days ahead of travel, however the more lead time, the less stress it will be, so inform the Specialist as soon as you know the dates/destination. In addition to this court order, you will need a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, which the DCS Specialist can request, if it is not already in the file. You can also request a certified copy by taking the Notice to Provider to Vital Records, however you will have to pay the fee for the birth certificate, which is not reimbursable. You will need to take original, certified copies of both the order and the birth certificate to the passport office. The child must have either a passport or passport card, depending on your method of travel. This is a US Department of Homeland Security requirement, confirmed as of 10/1/25. Be sure to save your receipt and request passport reimbursement through the DCS Specialist. NOTE: DCS will not reimburse for an expedited passport fee, so please allow enough time to complete all tasks in a timely manner. According to the US Department of State website, the current processing time is 7-10 weeks. You should also purchase travel medical insurance for the child, as their Mercy Care DCS CHP coverage is not valid outside of the United States. Although it is not required, it is preferred. Again, this a non-reimbursable expense. Please do not risk traveling out of the country without ALL of these items completed. It is not a quick or convenient process, however it is what is required for the safety and well-being of the child in your care.

• If you experience challenges with the RPPS Guidelines, attempt to elevate the issue through the DCS Program Supervisor then the DCS Program Manager. Contact information is in Guardian under your Service Approvals. If you need assistance with locating contact information or facilitating communication, reach out to Rhiannon Schaudt-Hobkirk. You can also follow the DCS Complaint Management Policy in Chapter 7: Section 17.

Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard

Food Resources

If your family or any family you know is in need of food resources, here are some helpful sites to locate food banks and assistance programs.

• https://211arizona.org/
• https://azfoodbanks.org/get-food/
• https://www.marketonthemove.org/
• https://www.findhelp.org/
• https://www.feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food

SSN Requests

Tax season is coming up quicker than any of us want it to, so start preparing now! Ask the assigned DCS Specialist for the social security numbers of the children in your care to ensure that you have the information before taxes are due!

Per DCS Policy Chapter 4: Section 6: If requested for a lawful purpose, the Department shall provide a foster parent or kinship caregiver with the social security number of a child in the foster parent’s or kinship caregiver’s care within 90 days of the foster parent’s or kinship caregiver’s request (verbal or written).

If a child does not currently have a SSN assigned, the request to have one assigned by the Social Security Administration can take around 60 days. However, if the child also does not have a birth certificate, that will need to be requested and received before the SSN request can be submitted. An in-state birth certificate should only take about 30 days to process and receive, unless the child was not born in a hospital or is a foundling. That process can take much longer, depending on the information that is available. The timeframe for out-of-state birth certificate requests varies by state and can take several months.

Per DCS Policy Chapter 4: Section 6: Within 30 days of the child entering out-of-home care, the Department shall request a birth certificate for a child who is in the custody of the Department and in out-of-home care, unless the child is returned to the custody of the child’s parent within that 30-day period.

If you have requested the social security number and have not received it within 60 days of the initial request, please follow up with the DCS Specialist. If the process is not moving along as it should and you feel the need to elevate the issue, please follow the Complaint Management Procedure as outlined in DCS Policy Chapter 7: Section 17: Complaints should be resolved among those most familiar with the situation and who have the ability to resolve the complaint. Case-related complaints should be first addressed with the DCS Specialist and may be elevated to the DCS Specialist's Supervisor if not satisfactorily resolved. After attempting to resolve the complaint with the DCS Program Supervisor, the complainant may elevate the concern to the Program Manager. After attempting to resolve the complaint with the Program Manager, the complainant may elevate the concern to the Office of the Ombudsman through the Online complaint form (www.azdcs.gov), by telephone (602-364-0777 or toll-free at 877-527-0765), or by email Ombudsman@azdcs.gov.

If you need the contact information for the DCS Specialist or Supervisor, it is listed in Guardian under your Service Approvals. Warmline can also assist in providing the information or facilitating communication: 877-543-7633 option 3 or warmline@azdcs.gov.

Post-Permanency Supports Orientation

Foster 5K

Foster families: Use code 20foster for 20% off!

Rise & Ride

High-Five

“I wanted to nominate the foster family Dario Mazon and Glenda Gallardo. They were able to accept two emergency placements within a month and have been respective of services and coordination with the teams for both children!”

TEAMING: “Cristina is a leader who embodies so many of the core values honored through this High Five recognition program. Her ability and willingness to initiate and participate in healthy, effective teamwork throughout the state is extraordinary. We have had so many successful collaborations with Aviva and absolutely love partnering with them to meet the needs of families facing extreme or unusual circumstances.”

TEAMING: “I recently began working with Azalia on a case involving the transition of two siblings out of congregate care. These children have been in foster care for six years, with the past three spent in a group home. Azalia has been wonderful to work with. She’s super responsive, great at collaborating with the team, and even stayed late to help facilitate a meet and greet with the potential foster family, wrapping up her day close to 8pm. Huge thanks to Azalia for going above and beyond and for all the heart she brings to this work!”

If you want to recognize a foster family, a licensing worker or agency, DCS Specialist/Supervisor or other employee, community partner, attorney, CASA, judge, mentor, or other fostering community member, please fill out the High-Five Nomination Form linked below.

Prescott-Area Foster Families: FREE Monthly Events

Sponsored by The League of Extraordinary Grandparents, volunteer grandparents will guide children in making crafts, painting, storytelling, games and more!

• WHO CAN ATTEND: Children in foster care, ages 4 – 10. Bio siblings may also attend, as long as they are between ages 4 – 10. All children must be registered in advance.
• WHEN: Every 3rd Saturday of the month in 2025 – November 15, December 20.
• LOCATION: Prescott Valley (details will be provided upon registration)
• TIME: 9 AM – 12 PM
• SNACKS: Snacks and drinks are provided.

ASA Now

ASA Now is a non-profit organization that ADVOCATES for, SUPPORTS, and ASSISTS children and families impacted by foster care. We are passionate about providing support to families and professionals by restoring hope and empowering them to better serve these children in need.

Warmline Supports Kinship and Foster Families

The Foster Parent Warmline is available for kinship families and licensed foster parents. While not an emergency number, Warmline staff can assist with information, timely communication, and support. It is not intended to discourage or replace direct and regular communication between the DCS Specialist and the out-of-home caregiver. You can reach the Warmline by calling 1-877-KIDSNEEDU (1-877-543-7633). Please be prepared with your name, the child's name, DOB, and dates of placement/departure, as well as an explanation of the issue. The Warmline is manned by staff Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (AZ time), excluding state holidays. You may also send an email to Warmline@azdcs.gov and include the above information.

Children's Heart Gallery

More than 70 percent of the children in need of forever families are adopted by their relatives or foster parents. For the remainder, special recruitment efforts like the Heart Gallery are used to connect them with a forever family.

The children featured in the Heart Gallery represent all ethnic groups and range in age from toddlers to teenagers. Some have special behavioral or medical needs, some are without siblings, and others are in groups of siblings.

Lydia and Lillyanna