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HB 2671

DCS; kinship care placement; requirement

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Fink and 1 co-sponsor

Arizona bill requiring DCS to prioritize kinship care placements for removed children over non-relative foster care was vetoed by Governor after passing legislature.

Vetoed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 2671

Legislative bill overview

HB 2671 requires Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS) to prioritize placing children in kinship care (with relatives or close family connections) when removal from parental custody is necessary. The bill establishes a mandate that kinship placements must be considered and pursued before non-relative foster care placements, with specific timelines and notification requirements for identifying and contacting potential kinship caregivers.

Why is this important

Kinship care placement can provide children with continuity of family relationships, cultural connections, and often more stable environments compared to stranger foster care. The policy has both financial implications (kinship care typically costs less than traditional foster care) and outcomes implications, as research suggests children in kinship placements experience fewer placement disruptions and better emotional stability, though results vary significantly based on individual circumstances.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: DCS may argue the mandate creates operational challenges, especially in cases with limited or unavailable kinship networks, requiring significant staff time and resources to locate distant relatives
  • Quality and safety concerns: Critics may worry that kinship caregivers receive less vetting and training than licensed foster parents, potentially compromising child safety protections and creating liability issues
  • Budget impact: The veto suggests gubernatorial concerns about unfunded mandates or implementation costs, though some argue kinship care reduces overall system expenses despite upfront search and support costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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