AZ SB1078

Establishes a new Department of Child Services in Arizona effective July 1, 2015, to assume authority over child protective services, juvenile corrections services, child care licensing, foster home licensing, and adoption certification from the Department of Economic Security and Department of Health Services.

Director is appointed by the governor and must have qualifications to manage department affairs; director has powers to protect children, strengthen families, maintain public accountability, adopt rules, and employ personnel.

Department may serve as representative payee for social security and veterans administration benefits for children in its care, with funds kept separate from the state general fund and used for the child's benefit.

Existing administrative rules, contracts, licenses, permits, equipment, records, and personnel from transferring departments retain their status and validity under the new department.

Department of Child Services terminates on July 1, 2025, with statutory chapter repealed on January 1, 2026; act is effective June 30, 2015.