AZ SB1407

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 8-243 regarding juvenile court authority to assess and collect costs for foster care, treatment, detention, and institutional placement of referred children.

Requires juvenile courts to inquire into the ability of children, parents, guardians, or custodians to pay for costs including foster care, treatment programs, detention facility maintenance, food, clothing, shelter, and medical/dental/mental health care.

Allows courts to fix monthly payment amounts and direct payment to appropriate entities (court clerk, department of juvenile corrections, detention facilities, or state institutions) based on ability to pay.

Clarifies that foster parents and group homes are exempt from detention facility cost assessments under subsection C.

Expands subsection E to include children adopted or placed in permanent guardianship after being determined dependent, allowing courts to waive charges if extenuating circumstances exist.