State Department of Child Safety Commits to Immediate Reforms Following Stakeholder Meeting
- Arizona Senate Republicans
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 4, 2025
State Department of Child Safety Commits to Immediate Reforms
Following Stakeholder Meeting
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Arizona State Senator Carine Werner is driving reforms at the Department of Child Safety (DCS) after convening a September 3 stakeholder meeting with families, law enforcement, prosecutors, tribal leaders, and child welfare advocates. The meeting produced a series of commitments from DCS to address identified deficiencies in Arizona's child welfare system and better protect children living in group homes.
Recent tragedies have exposed serious gaps in oversight: inconsistent collaboration with law enforcement when children run away from group homes, delayed or inadequate communication between DCS and tribal governments, and licensing actions kept out of view from those directly impacted. These breakdowns have left vulnerable kids at risk and communities frustrated.
Now, because of the collaboration sparked at the stakeholder meeting, DCS is moving forward with immediate action:
Clearer Notification Rules: Drafting rule changes clarifying when and how group homes are required to notify DCS and law enforcement if a youth runs from placement.
Stronger Law Enforcement Partnerships: Sharing group home locations with local law enforcement to encourage proactive engagement with youth and staff.
Critical Information Packets: Creating a standardized "face sheet" for law enforcement to use if a child runs from a group home.
Renewed Tribal Engagement: Re-establishing standing meetings with the San Carlos Apache Tribe and expanding outreach to other tribal nations.
Licensing Transparency: Developing a mechanism to share DCS licensing actions with tribes that contract with licensed facilities.
"This is a step in the right direction, but it can't be the last. Arizona's children deserve a system that responds quickly, communicates clearly, and puts their safety first," said Senator Werner. "I will keep working with stakeholders and holding DCS accountable until we create a system that best serves families and kids throughout Arizona. I'm grateful to the families, law enforcement, and tribal leaders who continue to raise their voices — their input is driving real solutions, and together we can make lasting change."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus