Department of Economic Security - Division of Children, Youth and Families - Child Protective Services

In accordance with a legislative request, this special performance audit report focuses primarily on two Child Protective Services (CPS) functions:  (1) the child removal process – the process by which CPS and other involved parties determine whether a child should be removed from his/her parents’ or guardians’ home, and (2) the substantiation and appeals process – the process by which CPS and other involved parties determine whether abuse or neglect incidents should be substantiated. 

State statutes and Arizona Administrative Code define the circumstances under which CPS can remove a child from his or her parents’ or guardians’ custody.  However, not all conditions that the public might consider abuse or neglect are defined.  Therefore, the Legislature should consider clarifying the statutory definition of abuse and neglect.  State law also provides for two administrative reviews when CPS decides to remove a child from their home.  However, few parents or guardians are requesting one review and CPS needs to analyze the impact of the other review. 

Whether or not a child is removed from the home, CPS must determine whether each allegation it investigates should be substantiated.  In 1997, the Legislature required CPS to add a hearing process to its procedures for substantiating abuse and neglect reports.  This process may have contributed to a decline in the percentage of cases that were substantiated between 1998 and 2001.  The results of the review process suggest case managers need more training on the standards for substantiation and feedback on review results.