ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: HHS DP 8-1-0-1

HB 2447: department of child safety; continuation

Sponsor: Representative Montenegro, LD 29

Caucus & COW

Overview

Continues the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) for 4 years.

History

DCS was established to protect the children of Arizona by: 1) investigating reports of abuse and neglect; 2) assessing, promoting and supporting the safety of a child in a safe and stable family or other appropriate placement in response to allegations of abuse or neglect; 3) working cooperatively with law enforcement regarding reports that include criminal conduct allegations; and 4) without compromising child safety, coordinating services to achieve and maintain permanency on behalf of the child, strengthen the family and provide prevention, intervention and treatment services. DCS is overseen by a director appointed by the Governor who must have administrative experience in family support services, the protection of children from maltreatment and possess qualifications that enable them to manage the affairs of DCS (A.R.S. §§ 8-451 and 8-452).

The Senate Health and Human Services and House Health & Human Services Committees of Reference met jointly on January 3, 2024, to conduct a review of DCS. Both Committees of Reference recommended DCS be continued for four years.

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteContinues, retroactive to July 1, 2024, DCS until July 1, 2028. (Sec. 2, 4)

2.   Repeals DCS on January 1, 2029. (Sec. 2)

3.   Contains a purpose statement. (Sec. 3)

4.   Makes a conforming change. (Sec. 1)

5.    

6.    

7.   ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

8.                     HB 2447

9.   Initials AG/KT    Page 0 Caucus & COW

10.   

11.  ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------