Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1257
department of child safety; continuation.
Purpose
Continues the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) for four years.
Background
Laws 2014, Second Special Session, Chapter 1, established DCS to protect children by: 1)
investigating reports of abuse and neglect; 2) assessing, promoting and supporting the safety of
children in a safe and stable family or any other appropriate placement in response to allegations
of abuse or neglect; 3) working cooperatively with law enforcement in regard to reports that
include criminal conduct allegations; 4) coordinating services to achieve and maintain permanency
for children without compromising their safety; and 5) strengthening families and providing
prevention, intervention and treatment services (A.R.S. § 8-451). DCS is overseen by a Governor-
appointed director that must have administrative experience in both the protection of children and
family support services, as well as possess the necessary qualifications and training to manage
DCS affairs (A.R.S. § 8-452).
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee of Reference (COR) held a public
meeting on January 3, 2024, to review and evaluate DCS's response to the sunset review factors
and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that DCS be continued for four years until
July 1, 2028 (COR Report). DCS is set to terminate on July 1, 2024, unless continued by the
Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3024.06).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2024, DCS until July 1, 2028.
2. Repeals DCS on January 1, 2029.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 15, 2024
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