Report shows Ariz. child protection agency struggling
Published: March 21, 2012 at 8:48 am
In this photo taken Sept. 15, 2010 shows students at Roskruge Bilingual Magnet Middle and Elementary School in Tucson. (AP Photo/Arizona Daily Star, Samantha Sais)
A new report shows Arizona’s Child Protective Services is struggling to keep up with a number of cases involving a dramatic rise in abuse and neglect along with an unprecedented number of children in foster care.
The report covering a six-month period ending Sept, 30 also shows the agency has been unable to respond to investigations within the time frames required by state policy.
The Arizona Republic reports CPS workers told investigators that some cases dating back to last summer still haven’t been investigated.
State Department of Economic Security officials, who oversee CPS, say they hope investigative efforts will improve because of new procedural improvements under review at several CPS offices.
The changes include a new investigative unit and a team of top administrators working to clear up a backlog of about 8,400 cases.
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2 Responses to “Report shows Ariz. child protection agency struggling”
March 21st, 2012 at 10:00 am
Children are in harm’s way and the State Legislature has a responsibility to address the issue of safety for children. With the uninvestigated sex crime cases in MCSO, coupled with 2,500 child sex crime cases in Phoenix and 8,400 backlog of investigations on child abuse and neglect by the State of \Arizona, we demand that something be done to protect our children. Why is this situation not a priority for the Governor and Legislature?
March 21st, 2012 at 10:52 pm
I did a study of CPS during Governor Hull’s administration. Until you actually travel with case workers, the public has no idea what a tough job this is. I admire the work that is being done and I know that more needs to be done which would cost Arizona a huge amount of money. We all need to be supportive of the great job that is being done and want to see their budget expanded.
Keep up the great work!
Ray Russell