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Agencies make case for new spending, but most requests likely doomed
Gov. Doug Ducey is looking for good policies and savings. But requests for money from the general fund, the state’s all-purpose kitty, are tougher to justify than those that come from other sources, like grants and fees.
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.
Arizona child safety unit looking at new regulations
Arizona's Department of Child Safety is putting together a team to explore whether investigators should have to get a court order before removing children from unsafe homes.
Auditor: Admin staffing in child-safety agency reasonable
State auditors are giving a thumbs-up to the amount of administrative staffing in a high-profile social service agency.
5 states struggle with surging numbers of foster children
The number of U.S. children in foster care is climbing after a sustained decline, but just five states account for nearly two-thirds of the recent increase. Reasons range from creation of a new child-abuse hotline to widespread outrage over the deaths of children who'd been repeatedly abused. Addictions among parents are another major factor.
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.
Child safety director rejects much of auditor general’s critique
Inadequate reports and failure to attend some hearings by the Department of Child Safety may be delaying some Arizona children getting permanent placement, according to a new report on the agency.
Judge holds agency in contempt for handling of disabled kid
A Maricopa County Juvenile Court judge has found the Arizona Department of Child Safety in contempt for failing to provide needed services to a family.
Department of Child Safety – Struggling or successful?
Arizona’s child welfare system, which indeed has long been troubled, will not improve as long as DCS continues to use outdated, ineffective and costly practices; and a lack of political will to recognize when something is not working and make the necessary changes.
Lawmakers boost money for child safety agency, but with strings attached
Showing a commitment to improving outcomes for Arizona children in the state’s care, lawmakers made child welfare one of the greatest beneficiaries of the $9.6 billion budget adopted earlier this month.
