AZ SB1404

Department of Child Safety must conduct annual studies and assessments of child neglect reports, due February 1 in 2017, 2018, and 2019, to the governor and relevant legislative committees.

Department shall partner with an Arizona Board of Regents university to examine reports received during the first full week of February, analyzing case management data on neglect allegations including investigation status, substantiation outcomes, and case timelines.

Data report must include demographic information on children and caregivers involved, prior abuse/neglect history, temporary custody actions, reunification and re-removal rates, and criminal conduct allegations.

Case review portion must categorize and count specific types of neglect including substance exposure, caregiver absence, failure to supervise, domestic violence exposure, unsafe living conditions, and caregiver inability to meet basic needs due to substance abuse, mental illness, or physical impairment.

University may summarize findings and recommend policy and practice changes based on the analysis; the reporting requirement expires February 1, 2019.