As you turn 18, it is vital that you have a copy of all your personal documents when you leave foster care. Your medical, educational, and personal identity records are essential to living an independent life. If any of your personal documents are lost or stolen, you will want to replace them as soon as possible by clicking on the links below and/or downloading our easy to use resource now!
Your Record Rights – It is your right to be given these documents within 30 days of your 18th birthday. Discuss these documents at your “Age of Majority” Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting, Transition Planning Meeting, or your Child and Family Team meeting. If you do not get all these documents within 30 days of your 18th birthday, contact the State Independent Living Coordinator at PermanencyYouthServicesUnit@AZDCS.GOV for assistance.
Vaccination Records – These Are important For Your Health and should be shared with your doctor. For a copy of your vaccination records, complete and submit the Immunization Request Form. If you were not given a copy of your medical records or they are lost, you can request assistance from your DCS Case Specialist in getting new copies. If you are no longer in foster care, but still need copies of your medical records, you can make a medical records request by going to DCS Forms, scrolling down and downloading form number CSO-1036A “DCS Records Request”, fill out and submit the form.
Identity Records – Identity is who you are and is recognized by three very important documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- Arizona State ID (if you do not already have an Arizona Driver License)
- If you are registered with a tribe, it may be valuable to get your Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) to access resources associated with your tribe.
Education Records – Transferring your education records be done by requesting records from your current or previous school(s).
Ward of Court Proof – Anticipate needing to provide a “Ward of Court Proof” to show you are a young adult who has experienced foster care to receive financial aid for college or vocational school. Contact PermanencyYouthServicesUnit@AZDCS.GOV and request an “Age Of Majority” Verification Letter.
Keep Your Records Safe – Leave your documents in a SAFE PLACE in a folder or security box that is locked and stored out of site to reduce your chances of identity theft.
