OCJ FAQS

Administrative

Where do I mail stuff to OCJ Kids?
All mail is to be sent to OCJ Kids mailing address at 524 W Westcott Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85027

Where are your offices located?
The OCJ Kids’ corporate offices are located at 21630 N 9th Ave Suite # 103, Phoenix, AZ 85027.

Can I donate online?
Yes – Please donate here

Do you participate in the AZ Tax Credit program?
Yes, OCJ Kids is a Qualifying Charity for the AZ Foster Care Charitable Organization Tax Credit.  For more information please visit the azdor.gov website.

Can I donate to you and my children’s school?
Yes,  you can donate towards a qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organization as well as a school and still claim the School Tax Credit

Do you accept in-kind donation?
Please click here for a list of what we accept for donations  and when we accept them.

We have partnered with Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), who have a small warehouse for foster teens to pick up items they may be in need of.  Please contact Shevaun at 602-439-2171 for more information on how to contact JFCS

What kind of donations do you accept?
Please click here for a list of what we accept for donations and when we accept them.

What are your office hours?
Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

When can I drop off donations?
Please call the office at 602-439-2171 to schedule a drop off.

Do you pick up donations?
At this time we are not able to pick up donations

Are you a 501c3?
Yes, OCJ Kids is a 501c3

What does OCJ stand for?
OCJ stands for Opportunity, Community and Justice

What is your fax number?
623-444-6780

How do I become a foster parent or a CASA?
For Foster Parent info Contact:
Christian Family Care
Family Support Resources
For a CASA

Do you provide Foster Care licenses?
No, OCJ Kids does not provide Foster Care Licenses

Volunteer Training

How often do you do training?
We hold training once a month, except for July, November and December.  Sometimes we hold more than one training per month due to the demand.

When is your next training?
Contact us for the next available training scheduled.

What is the difference between what I have  and a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card?
A level 1 fingerprint clearance card is issued though AZ DPS, with the ARS code 41-1758.  In order to receive this card, you must submit a fingerprint card and an application/ along  with $65 for their processing fee.  AZ DPS will then run back ground check and then have the FBI run a back ground check. Once, everything has been cleared the applicant will be mailed their card to their address.

The group home agencies, require a copy of this card (the front and back) for their licensing requirements.  Due to these requirements, the Level 1  fingerprint Clearance Card is the only clearance card acceptable to work within the group homes.

Why is there a cost of $65?
The $65 is the cost of the AZ DPS processing fee to run the background checks for each applicant.
Where does the $65 go?

The $65 goes directly  to the AZ DPS for the processing fee.  OCJ Kids does not keep any the funds.

Do my children need to come to training? fill out paperwork? get a level 1 fingerprint clearance card?
If you have a child you would like to accompany you to the group homes, they will need to attend the  training as well.  No child under the age of 18 and without the proper documents on file will be able to enter  a group home without a parent or relative, and have house manager permission.

The youth ages 14-17 will be required to fill out a volunteer application and the behavioral management form during the training.
Any person ages 18 and older will be required to have a complete file prior to entering a group home, including the level 1 fingerprint clearance card.

Do I have to stay for the full 4 hours?
Yes, all information is important for your preparation for the visits into the group home.

Do you provide childcare for the training?
Childcare is not usually provided by OCJ Kids for the training.

How long does the process take before I can get involved?
The fingerprint clearance card can take anywhere from 5 to 8 weeks to process, during that time you can complete your file with letters of references and the physical.  Once your file is complete, we will get your group connected within the next month, depending on schedules.

Do I need to bring a lunch?
Snacks are provided for the training.  If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, you may want to bring appropriate food for your needs, just in case.

Volunteering

Can I bring my children to a group home or big event?
There is not a definite answer for this question.  For group homes, in order to bring them you would need to get permission from the house manager.  For our Big Events, we do not have a set age that can help volunteer, we just ask that the child(ren) you bring with you are at an age where they are able to help you and not distract you.

Why can’t I find the group home locations on your website?
Group home locations are not listed on our website for the safety of the kids.

How can I find the location of the big event?
As your RSVP to volunteer at one of our events, you will be sent or given volunteer information as well as the location of the event.

Do I need to register to volunteer for a big event?
It is helpful for you to register to volunteer so we can know how many volunteers to prepare for as well as send you volunteer information.

How old are the kids in the group homes?
Kids ages range from newborn to 18 yrs old.