When Child Protection Comes
A.R.S. 8-803 — at first contact, told verbally and in writing of the investigation, the allegation, and what may be refused
At first contact. On initial contact with a parent, guardian or custodian under investigation, the child safety worker informs the family verbally and in writing that it is under investigation, of the specific complaint or allegation, and that the worker has no legal authority to compel cooperation with the investigation or the acceptance of services.
- That, absent a court order, the family may deny the worker entry into the home.
- The right to seek an attorney's advice, and to have an attorney present when questioned.
- That anything the person says or writes may be used in a court proceeding.
- The right to refuse to sign a release of information, take a drug or alcohol test, or submit to a mental health evaluation.
- The right to file a complaint with the ombudsman-citizens aide, and to appeal the department's determinations.
Those are among the matters the family is told of.
Recording. Except in judicial proceedings, a parent or legal guardian may not be prohibited from recording conversations with the department.
Responding. The person the report concerns is told of the right to respond to the allegations verbally or in writing, with documentation, and to have that considered.
Removal of a child, emergency custody, and the court hearings that follow are set out in other parts of the law that are not on this page. What a particular investigation means for a family is a question for a licensed Arizona attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- A.R.S. 8-803 — Limitation of authority; duty to inform
- A.R.S. 8-456 — Investigative function; recordings
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.