Arizona Implements 24-Hour Mandatory Reporting For Missing Children

Starting October 30, 2023, a new Arizona law goes into effect to require the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to file a missing child report with law enforcement and notify other entities within 24 hours after receiving a report that a child in DCS custody cannot be located. Within 48 hours of receiving the report, if the child is not found, DCS must notify local media outlets. Previously, DCS did not have a deadline for notifying law enforcement and other entities about a missing child. DCS will be subject to audits to assess its compliance with the new law.

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