Note: This information does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with attorneys who are knowledgeable and experienced regarding specific applicability of these listed laws, based on their own circumstances.
ARIZONA
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
CHURCH GUIDELINES
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Arizona
Arizona law defines reportable child abuse as physical injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, emotional abuse, neglect, or abandonment of a minor under 18, unless it occurred by accident.
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Clergy, ministers, priests, rabbis, and Christian Science practitioners are legally recognized as mandated reporters in Arizona. They must report suspected child abuse or neglect.
The only exemption is information received during a confidential confession or sacred communication, if the clergy member determines reporting would violate the tenets of their faith.
(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway – Clergy Mandatory Reporters Arizona)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Under A.R.S. § 13-3620, clergy who reasonably believe abuse has occurred must:
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Report immediately by phone or in person to DCS or law enforcement.
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Provide all known information, including the child’s name, address, and nature of the abuse.
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Understand that reporting to a supervisor or church leadership does not satisfy the law.
Failure to report is a class 1 misdemeanor.
(Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3620 – Duty to Report Abuse)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Definitions include:
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Physical abuse – non-accidental injury
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Sexual abuse/exploitation – any sexual contact or exploitation
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Neglect – failure to provide adequate supervision, food, shelter, or medical care
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Emotional abuse – impairment of child’s emotional development
Churches are encouraged by DCS to:
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Train all clergy and volunteers on recognizing abuse.
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Post visible signs with the DCS hotline (1-888-767-2445).
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Develop prevention policies for safe interactions with minors.
(Source: Arizona DCS – What Mandated Reporters Need to Know)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
All school personnel—including teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, aides, and volunteers—are mandated reporters. Reports must go directly to DCS or law enforcement, not just a supervisor.
(Source: Arizona Attorney General – Opinion on School Employees & Volunteers)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
School employees who reasonably suspect abuse must report immediately. Schools are also required to post hotline signs in public areas with the DCS number and provide annual training to students and staff on recognizing and preventing abuse.
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Arizona schools must comply with:
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Erin’s Law – child sexual abuse prevention education.
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Safe Environment Laws – annual age-appropriate abuse prevention training.
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Staff responsibilities: recognize, document, and report without delay.
Definitions of abuse and neglect are consistent with Arizona’s DCS criteria.
(Source: Arizona DCS – Definitions of Abuse)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Arizona
Child abuse is a significant public health issue in Arizona. In FY 2024, DCS received over 73,000 child abuse reports. The state emphasizes trauma-informed care, early intervention, and school/community partnerships to reduce harm and long-term consequences for children.
(Source: Arizona DCS Annual Report 2024)
GROOMING LAWS
In the state of Arizona, a person commits the offense of grooming when they knowingly use an electronic communication device, perform an act in person or through a third party, or use any written communication to/attempt to seduce, lure, or entice a minor, a minors guardian or a person they believe is the child’s guardian in order to
- commit a sexual offense or the sexual exploitation of children (A.R.S. title 13, chapters 14 and 35.1)
- distribute pictures of a persons sex organs
- engage in unlawful conduct with a minor or a person they believe is a minor
In the state of Arizona, grooming is a criminal offense classified as either a Class 4 or 5 felony depending on the relationship between the defendant and the victim.
- This crime is a Class 4 felony if the defendant is in a position of trust
Arizona state law defines position of trust as someone who is:
- the minors parent, stepparent, grandparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, aunt, uncle, or foster parent
- the minors teacher or school employee/volunteer and is 18 years old or older
- the minors clergyman/priest, or any person at least 18 years old and who works/volunteers for a religious organization that hosts events/actives where the minor was in attendance
- engaged in a sexual/romantic relationship with the minors parent, adoptive parent, grandparents, aunt, uncle, legal guardian, foster parent, stepparent, step grandparent, or sibling
- related to the minor by blood or through marriage within the third degree and is at least 10 years older than the minor
- the minors employer
- an employee of a group home/residential treatment facility where the minor resides or previously resided
This crime may be defensible if all of the following circumstances are met:
- the victim is 15, 16, or 17 years old
- the defendant is 19 or attending high school and is no more than 24 months older than the victim
- the conduct is consensual
(Source: Arizona House of Representatives)
How to make a report in the state of Arizona
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
A report can be made to the DCS Statewide Toll-Free Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-767-2445, (1-888-SOS-CHILD) or law enforcement office. When reporting, the following information if known will be requested:
- name, age, and gender of child and other family members
- address, phone numbers, and/or directions to child’s home
- parents’ place of employment
- description of suspected abuse or neglect
- current condition of the child
For more information visit: https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
In a world where child protection is paramount, ECAP is elevating child protection standards, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment in Christian ministries.
Every aspect of life adheres to specific standards – whether it be technology, education, finances, or industry practices.
In Jesus’ teachings, He imparted immense value to children, emphasizing the significance of their well-being. Reflecting on this profound truth, a compelling question emerges: Shouldn’t child protection be upheld to an even higher standard than these other areas, considering the blessing of children?
Join us in protecting the next generation
Take your child protection measures to the next level.
Join our national association of Christian ministries committed to child protection and abuse prevention.
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Information updated on 3.4.2026
