2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §8-822  Removal of child from home; review; review teams

The department shall adopt rules and establish clear policies and procedures, where appropriate, to:

1. Determine the circumstances under which it is appropriate to remove a child from the custody of the child's parents, guardian or custodian.

2. Ensure the immediate notification of the child's parents, guardian or custodian regarding the removal of the child from home, school or child care and the timely interview of the child and the child's parent, guardian or custodian.

3. Review each removal of a child that is expected to result in a dependency petition to assess options other than continued out-of-home placement including in-home services to the family. Such reviews shall be conducted before the dependency petition is filed. The review team shall consist of a protective services worker, a worker's supervisor and two members of the local foster care review board. If the child has a medical need or a chronic illness, the review team shall include the child's physician. If all reasonable efforts to reach the child's physician have been made and the physician is not available, the team shall include a physician who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or 17 and who is familiar with children's health care. A child shall not be removed unless a majority of the members of the review team agree that removal is necessary. If a majority of the members of the review team do not agree that removal is necessary, the child shall not be removed or, if the child has already been removed, the child shall be returned to the home.