Prevent Child Abuse in Arizona
How do I get online child abuse prevention training and background checks?
Compass Abuse Prevention Services offers online child abuse prevention training and background checks.
What is child abuse and neglect in Arizona?
Under Arizona law, child abuse is when a parent, guardian or custodian inflicts or allows the infliction of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 9,954 victims of abuse or neglect in Arizona in 2020, a rate of 6 per 1,000 children, a decrease of 23% from 2016. Of these children, 88% were neglected, 8% were physically abused, and 4% were sexually abused.
Who is a mandated reporter according to AZ state requirements?
According to A.R.S. § 13-3620, school personnel must report child abuse or neglect if there is a “reasonable belief” that abuse or a reportable offense has occurred. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mandated reporting calls went down 90%. Here is the Arizona online mandatory reporter overview training.
School personnel includes a:
- Teacher
- Administrator
- Nurse Counselor
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Behavioral Health Professional
- Classroom Aide
- Office Clerical Staff
- Cafeteria Worker
- Custodian
- Bus Driver and Bus Assistant
- Any Other Person Who has Responsibility for Children
- School Resource Officer
- School Volunteers
- Coaches
- Field Trip Chaperones
On March 24, 2021, the Legislature of the State of Arizona passed an amendment that requires schools to post information about reporting child abuse in a clearly visible location. Here are free downloadable posters for your school.
How do I report child abuse in Arizona?
A report can be made to the DCS Statewide Toll-Free Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-767-2445, (1-888-SOS-CHILD) or law enforcement office.
Even if you are not a mandated reporter, any person who reasonably believes that a minor is being abused or neglected must immediately report it.
How do I contact the AZ Department of Child Safety?
Contact the Arizona Department of Child Safety
PO Box 6030, S/C C010-23
Phoenix, Arizona 85005-6030
Phone: 1-602-255-2500
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Child Safety requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of February 20th, 2023 to meet the best information available. State requirements may change and it is your responsibility to know your state mandated reporter requirements and the process for online child abuse prevention training. Compass Abuse Prevention Services can not guarantee acceptance by your school, organization, or state Department of Child Safety. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.