AZ SB1544

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 8-514.03 to establish kinship foster care services for children removed from their homes and placed with relatives or individuals with significant relationships.

Requires kinship foster care parent applicants who are not licensed foster care parents to be at least 18 years old and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal records checks.

Department of Child Safety must conduct home visits, interviews, and central registry checks to determine if placement is in the child's best interest, with written denial notification within 15 business days if applicant is unsuitable.

Eligible kinship foster care parents may receive full foster care benefits, temporary assistance for needy families cash assistance, and nonfinancial services including case management, childcare, housing assistance, parenting training, and respite services.

Department shall provide kinship foster care parents with a monthly stipend of $600 per child placed in their care.