This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a provision that prohibits the Department of Child Safety (DCS) from refusing to place a child in a licensed and qualified foster home based solely on the vaccination status of the child or other children in the foster home. This insertion aims to ensure that vaccination status does not become a barrier to foster care placement, thereby promoting the welfare of children in need of care.

The current law, as outlined in section 8-514 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, does not specifically address vaccination status in the context of foster home placements. The proposed amendment would clarify that DCS must consider other factors related to the best interest of the child without allowing vaccination status to influence placement decisions. This change is intended to enhance the placement process and ensure that children are not unjustly excluded from suitable foster homes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-514