Arizona used a Recruitment Estimator to develop precise estimates of the number of foster families needed, categorized by characteristics of children needing families and race of caregivers. Arizona plans to highlight successful reunifications in its recruitment campaign and plans to create materials to help birth and foster families engage in implementation of shared parenting.

Arizona’s new contracts with private agencies include financial incentives for recruitment of families based on age and special needs of children needing homes. The contracts also call for a higher level of support to caregivers. The contract for congregate care includes a financial incentive of $1,000 for each youth’s successful transition to a less restrictive placement.