April 2026 Issue 97

Fostering Sibling Connections

Sibling relationships are unique and essential to children's emotional, social, and cognitive development and are the longest-lasting relationships that a child can have in their lives. Siblings often provide a sense of security, support, and a shared history that can help children navigate difficult experiences such as foster care. However, when siblings are separated from each other in the foster care system, it can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Sibling contact in foster care can help mitigate these negative effects. It can help children maintain their sense of identity, connectedness, and belonging. Moreover, it can provide them with emotional support, shared experiences, and a sense of security during a time of uncertainty. In many cases, siblings can offer each other a sense of stability and familiarity that other relationships cannot. Unfortunately, sibling contact in foster care is not always prioritized, and many siblings are separated from each other. According to a report by Casey Family Programs, up to 80% of siblings in foster care are separated from each other, and only 35% of these siblings have regular contact. This lack of sibling contact in foster care can have long-term negative effects on children's well-being. Children who are separated from their siblings may experience a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. They may also struggle with attachment issues and have difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life. To ensure the well-being of children in foster care, it is critical to prioritize and support sibling contact. Sibling placement should be prioritized whenever possible, and caregivers and DCS should work together to ensure that siblings have regular and meaningful contact with each other. Moreover, caregivers should advocate for and encourage sibling contact whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. This will ensure that children in foster care have the support and stability they need to thrive. There are several things that caregivers can do to support sibling contact:

• Collaborate with DCS: Contact the DCS Specialist and request sibling contact. This can usually be approved to occur at the caregiver’s discretion, as long as it is safe and appropriate for the siblings to have contact. If there are barriers, such as transportation issues, the DCS Specialist can look into accommodations such as a transportation referral. If there are safety concerns, the DCS Specialist can provide the information, including any restrictions or alternatives that are available.

• Coordinate with the other caregivers: Caregivers should coordinate with the other caregivers to ensure that contact is scheduled at a convenient time and location for all parties involved. The DCS Specialist can facilitate the initial communication, or caregivers can engage during CFT meetings or court hearings.

• Schedule regular contact: One of the most important things caregivers can do to support contact between siblings in different foster homes is to schedule regular communication between the siblings, including telephone calls, video chats, or visits. This can help the siblings maintain their connection and strengthen their bond.

• Communicate with the children: Caregivers should communicate with the children and keep them informed about upcoming visits, as well as any changes or updates to the schedule.

• Attend events together: Caregivers can attend events together with the siblings, such as birthday parties or school performances, to show support and help maintain the sibling bond.

• Share information: Caregivers can share information with each other about the children's likes, dislikes, and interests to help facilitate conversations between the siblings during visits or phone calls.

• Advocate for sibling rights: Caregivers can advocate for sibling rights and ensure that the children's needs are being met, including their need for contact with their siblings.

• Open a bed for sibling placement: If it is safe and appropriate to place siblings together, a caregiver can request to open a bed for the sibling. If necessary, a licensing exception can be made in order to keep siblings together. Ask your licensing worker for more information on this process.

For more info or support, please email Rhiannon.Schaudt-Hobkirk@azdcs.gov.

Summer Water Safety Reminders

As Arizonans, we all love to spend time in the water. While water activities offer countless opportunities for fun and relaxation, it is essential to prioritize water safety, especially when children are involved. Understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions can help create an environment where children can enjoy the water safely. For licensed caregivers, there are very specific requirements for pools and bodies of water, as outlined in the Arizona Revised Statute. There is also an entire chapter on pool requirements in the Life Safety Inspection Guide. These are all technical, but what about practical application of water safety?

• Supervision is Key - The first and most crucial aspect of water safety for children is constant adult supervision. Whether at a pool or a lake, children should never be left unattended near the water. Assign a designated adult as the "water watcher" to ensure constant vigilance. Avoid distractions such as phone use, engaging in lengthy conversations, or reading, as these can hinder your ability to respond quickly in case of an emergency.

• Teach Swimming and Water Skills - Enrolling children in swimming lessons is an effective way to build their confidence and competence in the water. Ideally, children should learn basic swimming and water safety skills as early as possible. However, even if your child is an excellent swimmer, they should always be supervised and never considered water-safe without adult supervision. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation can fund swimming lessons, as well as CPR/First Aid training for children in DCS care.

• Establish and Enforce Rules - Setting clear rules and boundaries around water safety is essential. Teach children to never swim alone and to always ask for permission before entering the water. Emphasize the importance of staying within designated areas, such as the shallow end of the pool or the supervised swimming area at the lake. Reinforce rules regularly to ensure they become ingrained in their behavior.

• Educate about Water Hazards - Teach children about potential water hazards, including the dangers of diving into shallow water, the risk of entrapment near pool drains or lake structures, and the importance of staying away from abandoned or submerged objects.

When visiting a lake, follow these guidelines to ensure a safe experience:

• Choose designated swimming areas: Stick to areas that are designated for swimming, as they are usually monitored and safer for children.

• Be cautious of currents and underwater hazards: Educate children about the risks of strong currents, underwater vegetation, and sudden drop-offs. Encourage them to stay close to the shoreline and within their depth.

• Wear life jackets: Children, especially those who are not confident swimmers, should wear properly fitting life jackets while near or in the water. Adults should lead by example and wear life jackets too.

For more information on water safety, check out these resources:

• Phoenix Children's Hospital Water Safety Program
• Child Crisis Arizona's Water Safety Online Course
• BoatUS Foundation's FREE Online Boating Safety Course
• Red Cross Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers Online Course
• Arizona Department of Health Services Drowning Prevention Resources

DCS Immunization Policy

If possible, (the DCS Specialist will) request parental consent prior to immunization. All children in DCS out-of-home care must be immunized except when:

• a parent objects based solely on religious grounds, or
• the immunization is medically contraindicated.

If a parent objects to the immunization of the child, (the DCS Specialist will) determine the basis of the objection: If the parent objects on any grounds other than religious grounds, the child may be immunized unless medically contraindicated. If the parent objects to immunization based upon religious grounds:

• the assigned Specialist will consult the DCS CHP Chief Medical Officer to determine if this child’s specific need for immunization is greater than that of the average child;
• the assigned Specialist will consult the assigned Assistant Attorney General (AAG) before proceeding with the immunization; and
• if it is determined that the child will not be immunized, the assigned Specialist will direct the out-of-home caregiver to not have the child immunized.

Flagstaff Early Childhood Fair

Pinal County Free Community Events

Family Fun Fair - Tucson

Coconino County Family Caregiver Resource Fair

Coconino County and Mercy Care are partnering to bring the Family Caregiver Resource Fair to Flagstaff this spring! It is free and open to all family members who are taking care of the child/children of a loved one. This event is also intended to support foster and adoptive placements. Several local resources will be available to help you get the support you need for your family to thrive, including County resources, DES Services, DCS Kinship Support Services, parenting/grandparenting resources, health resources, and kids activities. Light Breakfast provided while supplies last!

DCS Annual Youth Conference

This is an exciting opportunity for our youth who are ages 16-20, in out-of-home care, and who are demonstrating the readiness to participate in an experience away from their caregivers, with 70-80 of their peers, for three days.  The conference will be at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, from May 27th-29th. We look forward to meeting your amazing youth and creating fun memories with them!

Foster and Adoptive Council of Tucson Orientations

Teen Reach Adventure Camps

Adoption Tax Credit

Tax season is coming up quickly. Be prepared and knowledgeable regarding how foster care and adoption affect your tax preparation. Note: DCS employees are NOT tax professionals and CANNOT answer tax questions. Your assigned Specialist can provide you with the SSN of the children in your care or a letter stating placement dates if an audit occurs. Consult a tax professional for further questions.

• IRS Topic 607: Adoption Credit
• IRS Publication 4694: Raising Grandchildren
• IRS Qualifying Child Rules
• 1040.com Foster Parent Tax Guide

Post-Permanency Supports Orientation

High-Five

Tenley with Grace Retreat Foster Care Adoption Services submitted a recognition that honors Crystal. Her work in advocacy made a difference. Here are Tinsley’s kind words about Crystal: ADVOCACY: You have been so amazing in advocating for your placement! Between getting him physical therapy and oxygen when they told you "no" so many times and preparing him to make a big move. You are awesome! Hailey with Grace Retreat Foster Care Adoption Services submitted a recognition that honors Emily. Her work in accountability made a difference. Here are the kind words shared about Emily: ACCOUNTABILITY: You can count on Emily for anything. If she says she will do something, it always gets done, and she does a great job. She is organized, knows her stuff, and never lets others down. She has a wealth of knowledge but is so incredibly humble. I wish more licensing workers were like her. Rebecca with Intermountain Foster Care submitted a recognition that honors Dario and Glenda. Their work in family made a difference. Here are Rebecca’s kind words about Dario and Glenda: FAMILY: The family has continued to advocate for the children in their home and collaborating with providers to use skills. As of 02/03/2026, two therapeutic foster placements are ready to transition to a traditional foster home! Jennifer B with Mercy Care expressed how impressed she is with the family and how much progress the kids have made while in their care. She added she looks forward to continuing to work with the family with future placements.

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.

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.

Diesel