R21-3-203. Disposition of Communications

A. DCS Report. If a communication meets criteria for a DCS Report, the Intake Specialist shall: 1. Enter the DCS Report information into the Department's case management information system; 2. Assign an appropriate response time, ranging from an immediate response to a response time not to exceed seven days; 3. Immediately transmit the DCS Report to the appropriate field unit; and 4. Inform the reporting source that the information meets criteria for a DCS Report, that the report will be sent to a field unit, and provide the reporting source, when identified, with contact information for the field unit. B. Non-report. If a communication does not meet criteria for a DCS Report, the Intake Specialist: 1. Shall record the information regarding a child who is already in the Department’s care, custody, and control, and forward it to the Child Safety Specialist managing that child's case; 2. Shall advise the reporting source to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of an allegation of child abuse or neglect by a person other than a child’s parent, guardian, custodian, or adult member of the household; 3. Shall inform the reporting source that the information does not meet criteria for a DCS Report, and that the information will be documented in the Department’s case management information system; and 4. May refer the reporting source to a community resource, when appropriate. C. Forwarding information on non-DCS Reports. If a communication does not meet criteria for a DCS Report, the Intake Specialist shall forward the information or allegations of abuse or neglect to: 1. The appropriate law enforcement agency concerning a felony criminal offense against a child; 2. The DCS Office of Licensing and Regulation, if the communication involves a DCS licensed out-of-home placement; 3. The appropriate child protection agency, if the child lives in another jurisdiction; 4. The appropriate licensing or certifying agency if a child is at a state licensed or certified child care home or facility; 5. The appropriate licensing agency if a child is at a state licensed behavioral health facility; or 6. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Adult Protective Services if the alleged victim is over the age of 18 years.