Rules, Regulations, Monitoring
and Filing a Complaint
Child Abuse and/or 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.
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. A complaint is a suspected violation of Arizona state rules and/or statutes governing the operations of licensed child care centers or certified group homes. Anyone with knowledge or concerns about a suspected violation may file a complaint. Most complaints are filed by a parent or guardian, family member, friend or facility staff member. Complaints must be filed in writing.The Department only has jurisdiction over those matters that are governed by either rules or statutes. If you are not certain whether an issue falls under rules or statutes, call and ask to speak to the Surveyor on Duty 1 (602) 364-2539) who can assist you with your questions and concerns.
Arizona does not accept anonymous complaints. You must provide your contact information when filing a complaint. If you do not give your name or a contact number and the complaint does not include sufficient information, the Department may not be able to conduct an investigation. Also, if you want a report on the results of an investigation, you will need to provide a way for us to contact you. Arizona statutes specify that the name of a complainant against a child care facility or group home is part of the public record, unless the Department determines that releasing the name could result in harm to the individual; if you believe this would be the case, include this information with your complaint.
Arizona does not accept anonymous complaints. You must provide your contact information when filing a complaint. If you do not give your name or a contact number and the complaint does not include sufficient information, the Department may not be able to conduct an investigation. Also, if you want a report on the results of an investigation, you will need to provide a way for us to contact you. Arizona statutes specify that the name of a complainant against a child care facility or group home is part of the public record, unless the Department determines that releasing the name could result in harm to the individual; if you believe this would be the case, include this information with your complaint.
Special Note from AZDHS: It is important to understand that an inspection and/or complaint 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 or complaint 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.
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.
Arizona Department of Economic Security, Child Care Administration (ADES)
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 ADES Certified and Contracted Family Child Care Home click here.
Filing a Complaint on a ADES Certified Home and/or a ADES 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:
To Report a ADES Child Care Provider, please be prepared to provide the following information:
After You File the Complaint
A DES responder will investigate your complaint. Investigation steps may include some or all of these:
To view the requirements necessary to operate a ADES Certified and Contracted Family Child Care Home click here.
Filing a Complaint on a ADES Certified Home and/or a ADES 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 ADES 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
