AZ SCR1017

Legislature acknowledges that Child Protective Services closed over 6,500 abuse and neglect reports without investigation since 2009.

Eight of fifteen zip codes with highest CPS non-investigation reports are majority Latino communities in Maricopa County with median household incomes between $20,000 and $40,000.

Legislature identifies funding cuts since 2009 as a major factor in CPS caseload growth, including elimination of Healthy Families Program, Family Builders Program, and reductions in child care subsidies and substance abuse treatment services.

Members commit to instituting CPS reforms including lower caseworker caseloads, additional bilingual caseworkers, and improved training and supervision.

Legislature pledges to fund prevention services, child care subsidies, and mental health and substance abuse treatment to reduce children entering foster care and keep families together.