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Attorney says secret child welfare investigations violate parents’ rights
An attorney who represents parents whose children are wards of the state said the Office of Child Welfare Investigations keeps its reports secret, making it difficult for parents to defend themselves, violating their rights and blurring the line between police and social work.
Greg McKay confirmed as new Child Safety director
The state Senate confirmed Greg McKay as the new director of the Department of Child Safety despite objections from some legislators who say they lacked all the necessary information to vet Gov. Doug Ducey’s appointee.
Lots of child welfare ideas, but lawmakers still working out details of overhaul
A group of lawmakers and Capitol staffers racing to create a new child safety and welfare agency in a matter of weeks must still iron out a few details, including how to handle criminal conduct investigations and provide oversight of the department, according to documents obtained by the Arizona Capitol Times.
Overwhelmed child abuse specialists relinquish cases to less-skilled workers
Child welfare investigators specializing in cases of sexual and physical abuse are relinquishing thousands of cases to ordinary caseworkers, who are already overburdened, a practice that is possibly in violation of the law.
Legislators drop plans to give child welfare investigators police powers
Lawmakers have tabled language granting investigators with the Office of Child Welfare Investigations police powers in a limited scope.
Stricter oversight may be a key to new child welfare agency
A new independent state agency charged with investigating cases of child abuse and neglect may include substantial new oversight, including an annual external audit of the department and a citizen oversight board.
History repeats itself with caseload woes at CPS
Ten years ago this week, Arizona lawmakers were on the verge of approving a law to strengthen Child Protective Services and ensure the agency investigates all cases of neglect and abuse.
Governor gives vote of confidence to DES director
Gov. Jan Brewer voiced her confidence in DES Director Clarence Carter today as she announced a special team to oversee the investigation of thousands of child abuse cases CPS disregarded under his watch.
‘Heartbreaking, unconscionable’
CPS workers close out thousands of cases before they are investigated
Increase in number, severity of CPS cases straining system
An alarming increase in the number and severity of child abuse and neglect cases threatens to wipe out efficiencies Child Protective Services has gained over the last year, Department of Economic Security Director Clarence Carter said today.
New CPS investigative unit unanimously approved in committee
The House Judiciary Committee took the first steps Thursday in creating a new unit of investigators dedicated to high-priority child abuse and neglect cases, a cornerstone measure recommended by the Child Safety Task Force.
