Theresa Harri

This Program Improvement Plan outlines Arizona's commitment to enhancing its child welfare system and improving outcomes for children and families, aligning state strategic goals with federal requirements. The plan focuses on two main goals: preventing foster care entry by increasing access to FFPSA prevention services and strengthening community hubs, and increasing children's opportunity to reside in family-like settings through targeted foster family recruitment and community partnerships. Ultimately, it aims to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable, and family-centered environment.

The committee held a discussion regarding the development of end-of-the-year report recommendations. Key topics included the expansion of the semiannual report to incorporate data on family reunification case plans, measuring the effectiveness of prevention programs, and implementing mandatory trauma-responsive medical services for youth returning to care after running away. The committee also emphasized the importance of consistent quality standards for these services, the establishment of clear timeframes for assessments, and the need for racially and ethnically appropriate care.

The committee held a discussion regarding transitional age services for youth in the foster care system. Key topics included transition planning requirements for youth aged 14 and older, the various DCS-funded support programs such as driving schools, life skills contracts, and the intensive Life Set program. The committee also discussed the roles of youth advocacy specialists, leadership opportunities through the youth empowerment council, and the support provided by education specialists to address educational challenges.

The meeting began with introductions from committee members representing various organizations such as Three Precious Miracles, Arizona Resources Child Advocacy Organization, Phoenix Police Department, Arizona State University, Voices for Kasa Children, DCS, and the juvenile court department. The Director provided updates, noting the upcoming strategic planning for 2027. Key data points discussed included employee headcount constraints, a significant increase in total intakes and reports possibly due to high-profile media events, and a subsequent rise in total open cases, with a particular concern regarding exits from out-of-home care being significantly down compared to the previous year. The director also detailed efforts to support staff through internal training and addressed concerns about community perception. Additionally, an update was provided on the growth of the extended foster care program and the recent increase in the daily bed rate to better reimburse foster parents. Finally, trends in the out-of-home care population, including an increase in the percentage of children in group homes, older entries, and those with complex behavioral health needs, were reviewed. Staff turnover was also discussed in context with recent events and internal support programs.

The meeting included introductions and member updates related to child welfare. The Arizona Center for African-American Resources is working with the Department of Child Safety to create legislation for 2026, patterned after IQUA, to reduce biases in investigations and decrease the number of children removed from homes. November is National Adoption Day, with an adoption day event scheduled for the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the Durango Juvenile Court. A presentation was given by Nick Palowski, the program manager for the victim services unit, which includes the missing abducted runaway children unit, about the unit's responsibilities and processes.