1. A. DCS Report. If a communication meets criteria for a DCS Report, the Intake Specialist shall:

   1. 1. Enter the DCS Report information into the Department's case management information system;
   2. 2. Assign an appropriate response time, ranging from an immediate response to a response time not to exceed seven days;
   3. 3. Immediately transmit the DCS Report to the appropriate field unit; and
   4. 4. Inform the reporting source that the information meets criteria for a DCS Report, that the report will be sent to a field unit, and provide the reporting source, when identified, with contact information for the field unit.

2. B. Non-report. If a communication does not meet criteria for a DCS Report, the Intake Specialist:

   1. 1. Shall record the information regarding a child who is already in the Department’s care, custody, and control, and forward it to the Child Safety Specialist managing that child's case;
   2. 2. Shall advise the reporting source to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of an allegation of child abuse or neglect by a person other than a child’s parent, guardian, custodian, or adult member of the household;
   3. 3. Shall inform the reporting source that the information does not meet criteria for a DCS Report, and that the information will be documented in the Department’s case management information system; and
   4. 4. May refer the reporting source to a community resource, when appropriate.

3. C. Forwarding information on non-DCS Reports. If a communication does not meet criteria for a DCS Report, the Intake Specialist shall forward the information or allegations of abuse or neglect to:

   1. 1. The appropriate law enforcement agency concerning a felony criminal offense against a child;
   2. 2. The DCS Office of Licensing and Regulation, if the communication involves a DCS licensed out-of-home placement;
   3. 3. The appropriate child protection agency, if the child lives in another jurisdiction;
   4. 4. The appropriate licensing or certifying agency if a child is at a state licensed or certified child care home or facility;
   5. 5. The appropriate licensing agency if a child is at a state licensed behavioral health facility; or
   6. 6. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Adult Protective Services if the alleged victim is over the age of 18 years.

Historical Note

New Section made by final exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 3247, effective January 26, 2016 (Supp. 15-4).