A Children in Tribal Foster Care

Policy

AHCCCS Medical Assistance eligibility for children in Tribal foster care is determined by the Department of Economic Security, Family Assistance Administration (FAA) or by AHCCCS, depending on the AHCCCS program.  These cases are not referred to the Department of Child Safety (DCS).

When an application is received for a child in Tribal foster care:

·         The Tribe is considered the legal guardian and the Tribal Social Services worker can apply for the child without an Authorized Representative form.

·         Arizona residency is already established for the child unless the child is placed outside of Arizona.

·         Income and other information for members of the foster family is not needed to determine eligibility for the child.

NOTE      The only time income information may be needed is when a sibling is in the same foster care placement.

Definitions

Legal Authority