Yes! Arizona is one of a minority of states in the country to have established a “Foster Parent Bill of Rights”. HB 2224, the “Foster Parent Bill of Rights” was signed into law on April 19, 2010.

HB 2224 establishes a Bill of Rights for foster parents that include being:

• Treated with respect.
• Included as a team member.
• Provided with support services in a timely manner.
• Included in the permanency plan.
• Informed of all information regarding the child that will impact the foster home or family life during the care of the foster child.
• Assured of the family’s safety.
• Assisted with the grief of family loss and separation when a child leaves a foster home.
• Informed of all agency policies and procedures that relate to the foster parent’s role.
• Able to receive services and reach personnel on a 24/7 basis.
• Granted a reasonable plan for relief from the role of foster parent.
• Able to keep issues that arise in the foster home confidential.
• Free from being discriminated against, per constitutional guidelines.
• Given an evaluation of the foster parent’s performance.

(reference http://azafap.org/foster-parent-bill-of-rights/)

Foster parents do not have the ability to chose where the child in their care will end up or to speak into the case plan but they do have the ability to advocate for the child in their care and to help the child have a voice.

Thank you for your great question! If you have questions, send them to #youaskedfa or Kim@fosteraz.com