Audit: Arizona DCS Lacks Consistent Child-Removal Guidelines

By Alexandra Olgin
Published: Thursday, October 1, 2015 - 1:36pm
Updated: Thursday, October 1, 2015 - 1:37pm

A new audit released Sept. 30 finds the Department of Child Safety needs to better assess risk before removing children from their homes. Data shows increasing numbers of children are living in group homes, foster homes and shelters.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety has been audited three times in the past four months, but the agency hasn’t developed new policies. All three of the investigations have highlighted a similar problem — inconsistent decision making guidelines for removing children from their homes.

DCS Spokesman Doug Nick said the agency is still working to develop a plan to do that.

“We are looking at a policy analysis of the investigation and assessment of low risk families,” He said. “We are very close to getting that part of it done. It’s progressing pretty much on schedule buts it’s an ongoing process," siad Nick.

The plan has been in the works for months, and Nick anticipates it will be implemented within the next fiscal year.

Democratic state Rep. Eric Meyer is losing confidence in the leadership. He said the agency has already asked the Legislature for more money next year.

 “It’s hard to give them more money. Their budget is already $800 million,” Meyer said. “How much money will they need and will money make a difference. Is it that the leadership in place can’t handle the problem.”

In the meantime, there are nearly 18,000 children in out-of-home care in Arizona.