About KIDS

 

The Arizona KIDS Consortium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established for the purpose of coordinating the recruitment of foster and adoptive homes in Maricopa County. We are comprised of 23 licensing agencies contracted with the Department of Child Safety. We aim to collaborate as agencies and with community partners to provide quality foster and adoptive homes to improve the well-being of youth in foster care.

KIDS Consortium partner agencies help prospective foster and adoptive parents to become licensed to welcome children into their home through foster care or adoption.

Mission

The KIDS Consortium will present information about foster and adoptive children to the public. We will promote and coordinate recruitment and orientation activities. We will address issues regarding training, certification and licensing of persons wanting to provide temporary and permanent homes for children and to the contracted agencies that provide such related services. We will provide collaboration to address contract and programmatic issues and concerns. To accomplish the above purpose, the Arizona KIDS Consortium will establish objectives and program priorities.

Every day, we are helping:

  • Children in need of a safe, peaceful and loving home
  • Adoptive and foster families in need of resources and advice
  • Systems in need of advocacy and accountability

Leadership

  • Chair  –  Kristina Gonzalez, A New Leaf (Term:  6/1/2022 – 5/31/2024)
  • Co-ChairNicole Appiah, Christian Family Care (Term:  6/1/2023 – 5/31/2025)
  • SecretaryShelly Utzke, A Place to Call Home (Term:  6/1/2024 – 5/31/2026)
  • TreasurerJessica Hawkins, RISE Services (Term:  6/1/2023 – 5/31/2025)
  • Recruitment & Retention Subcommittee Co-ChairJulie Mohline, Christian Family Care (Term:  6/1/2023 – 5/31/2025)
  • Recruitment & Retention Subcommittee Co-ChairDavid Brittain, Arizona Faith & Families (Term:  6/1/2024 – 5/31/2026)
  • Special KIDS Subcommittee ChairJeannie Benavidez, Anodyne Independent Living Specialists (Term:  6/1/2023 – 5/31/2025)

We work hard but we can’t do it alone. Our partner agencies are on the front lines helping Arizona’s most vulnerable children and families. See a full list of our Partner Agencies

 

For questions about foster care or adoption, call:

Arizona Kids-Need-U Hotline
Phone: 877-KIDS-NEED-U (877-543-7633)

Email: info@azkidsconsortium.org

Updated May 22, 2023 by Javier Campos