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Child and Family Protection

The Child and Family Protection Division is responsible for providing legal services to all programs and business operations of the Department of Economic Security (DES) (www.azdes.gov), but as such, cannot give legal advice or provide representation to the public. The Division provides these services through three sections:

  • The Protective Services Section (PSS) represents Child Protective Services in 15 counties statewide. PSS represents DES in all dependency, severance, and guardianship proceedings (including appeals) brought for the protection of abused and neglected children. To report child abuse, contact DES at 1.888.767.2445 or www.azdes.gov.
  • The Child Support Enforcement Section (CSE) represents the DES Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). DCSE is responsible for the statewide operation of the Title IV-D child support program. This includes establishing paternity and obtaining and enforcing support orders. CSE provides representation in 11 counties (excluding Gila, La Paz, Navajo and Pinal). The Attorney General does not represent individual parties in child support matters, but only represents DCSE. However, any member of the public can apply for services from DCSE. To inquire about child support payments 24 hours a day, contact 602.252.4045 or 1.800.882.4151 (outside Maricopa County). Be sure to have your ATLAS case number.
  • The Civil and Criminal Litigation and Advice Section (CLA) provides legal advice and representation in administrative hearings and in state and federal courts to a myriad of programs within DES other than Protective Services and Child Support Enforcement. Some of these programs are the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Adult Protective Services, Procurement, Unemployment Insurance, Welfare Programs (food stamps and child care assistance), and licensing of foster homes and child welfare agencies. To report suspected welfare fraud, call 1.800.251.2436. To report suspected adult abuse, call 1.877.767.2385.

For additional resources, see Children and Families and Seniors.