ARIZONA STATE SENATE

ELIZABETH BUSKIRK

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH INTERN

KIYAHNA J. ARAZA

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

TRANSPORTATION, TECHNOLOGY & MISSING CHILDREN COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

RESEARCH STAFF

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

TRANSPORTATION, TECHNOLOGY & MISSING CHILDREN COMMITTEE

DATE:            February 1, 2024

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to S.B. 1625, relating to DCS; duties

Purpose

Requires, rather than allows, the Director of the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to take administrative action to improve the efficiency of DCS.

Background

Established in 2014, DCS must protect children, investigate reports of abuse and neglect, promote the safety of children, work with law enforcement to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect and coordinate services to achieve and maintain permanency on behalf of children (A.R.S. § 8-451).

The Director of DCS (Director) may take administrative action to improve efficiency and must: 1) adopt rules and employ deputy directors and other key personnel; 2) formulate policies, plans and programs; 3) petition for guardianship appointments and administer child welfare activities, as prescribed; 4) provide the care costs and transitional independent living services for persons under 21 years old; 5) act as an agent of the federal government and ensure compliance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978; 6) strengthen relationships with tribal child protection agencies and programs; 7) cooperate with other state, county and municipal agencies, faith-based organizations and community social services agencies; 8) cooperate with the superior court;
9) exchange information and cooperate with the Department of Economic Security; 10) collect owed monies; 11) make contracts and incur obligations; 12) accept and disburse monies to conduct programs; 13) research and compile statistics relating to the Child Welfare Program; 14) develop a data system with all relevant information relating to abused, neglected or abandoned children; and 15) investigate all criminal conduct allegations and reports of imminent harm (A.R.S. § 8-453).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Requires, rather than allows, the Director to take administrative action to improve the efficiency of DCS.

2. Makes technical and conforming changes.

3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.