Rules, Regulations, Monitoring
​and
Filing a Complaint

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT COMPLAINTS

Any complainant that suspects child abuse or neglect must be referred to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) Office 1-888-767-2445 (TDD 1-800-530-1831) or the local police department/sheriff. Refer to your local phone listings for the number to the local police department/sheriff. CHILD CARE

Arizona Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (AZDHS)

​There are state statutes and rules regulating licensed child care centers and certified group homes in Arizona and they are enforced by AZDHS. All licensed child care facilities and certified group homes are inspected at least once a year and/or upon a complaint to ensure compliance with health and safety regulatory requirements. An inspection survey report is made available on this website when searching a provider.

SPECIAL NOTE FROM AZDHS:

It is important to understand that an inspection report shows only a one-time "snapshot" of a child care provider's compliance with State rules and statutes. To more fully assess the quality of care provided by a facility, it is important to review both current and past survey reports. The Bureau of Child Care Licensing maintains a public file for each child care center or group home which contains survey reports and the provider's Written Documentation of Corrections for the past three years. These are edited to protect children's confidentiality. In addition, all licensed child care providers are required by state law to make these reports available for review by the public.
 
To view the requirements necessary to operate a Licensed Child Care Center, click here.
To view the requirements necessary to operate a Certified Child Care Group Home click here. 

Department of Economic Security, Child Care Administration (AZDES)

​There are state statutes and rules regulating certified family child care homes and in-home providers in Arizona and they are enforced by AZDES. DES Family Child Care Homes and In-home programs are inspected 2 times a year with one of the inspections unannounced.
 
To view the requirements necessary to operate a DES Certified and Contracted Family Child Care Home click here.
 
Filing a Complaint on a DES Certified Home and/or a DES Contracted AZDHS Child Care Center or Child Care Group Home:
 
Filing a complaint is a responsible attempt to protect a child or children. If you have knowledge of, or concerns about, a suspected violation committed by a DES Child Care Provider, please file a complaint.

The complaint is valid if you suspect a past or ongoing:

• violation of Arizona state rules and/or statutes
• child abuse or neglect

 
To Report a DES Child Care Provider, please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Complainant’s contact information
• Child Care Provider/Facility’s name, license number, phone number, address (or cross streets)
• Description of alleged incident or violation

 
After You File the Complaint
A DES responder will investigate your complaint. Investigation steps may include some or all of these:

• Review of records
• Interviews with witnesses, staff and, if appropriate, child(ren)
• Obtain/review reports from other agencies
• Complete compliance inspection