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New report says DCS reluctant to take punitive enforcement action against foster, group homes
A new report says the state Department of Child Safety has a "culture of not wanting to take punitive enforcement action against its foster homes and group homes.''
The impact of DCS’ discovery gap on parents – a former department attorney’s perspective
The Attorney General and Department of Child Safety did the right thing here by flagging an issue for the public. Transparency is crucial in the days to come so that we, as advocates for families can trust that we have all the information to which we are entitled to help ensure a fair process.
State discovers flaw in DCS system used to determine children’s removal from homes
State officials have discovered that a flaw in a system used by the Department of Child Safety that has let judges make decisions on removing children from homes without having all the information that they needed.
Arizona becomes first state to stop agencies from taking foster children’s federal benefits
A new law signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs Monday makes Arizona the first state in the nation to stop child welfare agencies from seizing millions of dollars from foster care children’s federal benefits.
Hobbs picks former lawmaker Lujan to head DCS
Gov. Katie Hobbs has tapped a former Democratic lawmaker who has advocated for higher taxes and against Republican-proposed tax cuts to head the Department of Child Safety.
Hobbs’ DCS pick is out, with little explanation
Gov. Katie Hobbs’ choice to lead the Department of Child Services on Feb. 22 is out, the governor announced on Feb. 23, saying the move was in the “best interest of all parties involved.”
Child fatalities: We deserve an answer
In Arizona, 46% of abuse and neglect deaths involved a prior history with the state’s child welfare agency. Arizona Senate Bill 1252, championed by Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, recognizes these deaths are preventable, and we desperately need to chart a path toward change that will ultimately save lives.
A good intention turns into a great bill for foster children
Together, we have made a good intention a great bill. I am thankful for everyone who not only participated to create responsible legislation, but to our Arizona parents, grandparents, kin, and foster and adoptive families who sacrifice so much to help our vulnerable kids.
Foster child who suffered horrific ordeal sues state
The court-appointed guardian of a 6-year-old foster child is suing two state agencies, several adoption entities and two sets of foster and adoptive parents, claiming the child suffered a horrific ordeal while in foster care.
Arizona Supreme Court limits right of tribes to intercede in adoption cases
In a unanimous decision, the justices rejected arguments by the Gila River Indian Community that Arizona court must transfer such cases to tribal courts. Writing for the court Chief Justice Scott Bales said while such transfer is permissive, it is not a right.
Court to hear arguments in appeal by fired state workers
Appellate judges will hear arguments Oct. 20 in an appeal by five former state child welfare employees who contend they were wrongly fired in 2014 amid an agency scandal.
