About CPS

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a program mandated under ARS §8-802 for the protection of children alleged to be abused and neglected. This program provides specialized welfare services that seek to prevent dependency, abuse and neglect of children. The Child Protective Services program receives, screens and investigates allegation of child abuse and neglect, performs assessments of child safety, assesses the imminent risk of harm to the children and evaluates conditions that support or refute the alleged abuse or neglect and need for emergency intervention.

For more information please click on the website below:
https://egov.azdes.gov/CMSInternet/main.aspx?menu=154&id=2030

Impact of Budget Cuts on CPS

$30.8 million cut in 2009

• No longer investigating potential risk reports of abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults.
• 159 layoffs of case specialists and investigators
• Fewer workers to investigate complaints about child abuse
• Can result in child deaths due to abusive conditions

• Foster families' reimbursements reduced by 20 percent, dropping the monthly average to $728 from $910
• Reduce independent living stipends for 400 children aging out of the foster care system by 10 percent
• Reduce or eliminate in-home services for 4,000 children and reduce or eliminate support services and allowances for children in out-of-home care
• Reduce substance abuse services contracts, eliminating services for 1,400 individuals
• Reduce Healthy Family contracts, eliminating prevention services for 3,500 families
• 20 percent benefits reduction in a cash welfare program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.