SB1458 is a bill that revises the procedures for placing children under 12 years old in congregate care settings in Arizona. It prohibits citing a shortage of foster homes as a reason for such placements and requires written approval from the Director of the Department of Child Safety or a designee, documenting the necessity of the placement based on the child's exceptional needs, sibling or parent placement, or for evaluation. Efforts must be made to find family placements, and a family and permanency team must be involved in the decision-making process. The bill also mandates an assessment of the child's needs within 30 days, the development of behavioral health goals, and court reviews of the placement.

The bill further specifies that if a child remains in congregate care for over six months, monthly reports must be submitted to the court. It changes reporting requirements from gender to sex and expands the data DCS must report online regarding children under 12 in congregate care. Key terms are defined for clarity, and the bill includes amendments allowing a Director's designee to approve placements and ensuring the child's attorney is part of the permanency team. The bill emphasizes placing children in the least restrictive, most family-like settings possible and maintaining family and community connections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-526, 8-530.06, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-526, 8-530.06, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201
House Engrossed Version: 8-526, 8-530.06, 13-3623.01, 8-516, 8-530.04, 8-201