How did the number of children in Arizona’s foster care system reach crisis levels? Raising Arizona Kids Magazine did a study on our foster care crises from 2008-2015. Understanding how we got here is key to reversing the trend. Here’s what we learned and expanded upon.
Foster Care Crisis Timeline
2000: Arizona has 6,470 children in foster care.
2004: The number increases to 9,191 children in the system.
2008: The Great Recession and the housing crisis prompt state officials to cut funding to family services. 10,402 children are logged in the system. An upward trend in the number of child endangerment cases begins.
2009: With 10,151 in the system, the number of child abuse and neglect cases rises 70%.
2010: Facing pressure from the media and the public in the wake of several high-profile child abuse fatalities, CPS implements policies to quickly remove children from homes where they are at risk, but lacks manpower. Existing staff members struggle to meet new demands and turnover rates increase.
2011: While other states begin to recover after the recession, Arizona continues to see an increase with the number of children in foster care at 10,883.
2012: Gov. Jan Brewer launches the Office of Child Welfare Investigations. Their findings indicate that children were being removed from their homes without meaningful goal-setting with their families to improve the situation.
2013: With 14,398 children in the system, the investigative office reports that over 6,000 cases of child abuse were closed without investigation between 2009-2013. Brewer disbands CPS and creates the Department of Child Safety in its place to address ongoing organizational issues.
2014: Doug Ducey becomes governor and promises to prioritize solutions to the foster care crisis. Over 16,000 children are in the system, and the DCS backlog of cases stands at 13,000.
2015: Gov. Doug Ducey appoints Greg McKay, leader of Brewer’s investigative task force, director of DCS. McKay implements a five – year plan and begins to see measurable improvements.
2016: Approximately 92,000 children in America are removed from their home due to a parent with drug abuse issues. In regards to the fifteen categories states can report child removal, this issue has the highest point increase — 32%.
2017: The Children’s Bureau at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launches its comprehensive, evidence-based opioid strategy.
2018: AFFCF’s goal is to give $1.5M in awards for Arizona children in foster care to participate in athletic, educational and social activities, or attend a higher learning institution.
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Make a Difference with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
How will you make a difference? Donate to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation.
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Thank you to Sheri Smith for her in-depth coverage of foster care. Read more in Raising Arizona Kids magazine, and get involved today.