1 00:00:05,872 --> 00:00:07,905 >> GROWING PAINS FOR THE 2 00:00:07,908 --> 00:00:10,141 DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY. 3 00:00:10,144 --> 00:00:13,778 >> THE CHANGES THAT NEED TO 4 00:00:13,781 --> 00:00:14,145 HAPPEN ARE CULTURAL, AND A LONG 5 00:00:14,148 --> 00:00:16,014 TIME. 6 00:00:16,017 --> 00:00:16,681 WE'VE GOT TO GET THE 7 00:00:16,684 --> 00:00:17,715 INTERVENTION RIGHT BUT THE 8 00:00:17,718 --> 00:00:19,417 CHANGES THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE 9 00:00:19,420 --> 00:00:20,418 TO HAPPEN TO THE SYSTEM AREN'T 10 00:00:20,421 --> 00:00:23,354 GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. 11 00:00:23,357 --> 00:00:25,223 >> WATCHING OUT FOR CASE WORKERS 12 00:00:25,226 --> 00:00:27,792 AND NEARLY 20,000 CHILDREN. 13 00:00:27,795 --> 00:00:29,227 >> THESE ARE SOME OF THE MOST 14 00:00:29,230 --> 00:00:31,062 VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 15 00:00:31,065 --> 00:00:32,630 IN OUR STATE. 16 00:00:32,633 --> 00:00:33,498 AND WE REALLY NEED TO DO THE 17 00:00:33,501 --> 00:00:36,534 BEST FOR THEM. 18 00:00:36,537 --> 00:00:37,468 >> AS THE CASE LOAD GROWS SO 19 00:00:37,471 --> 00:00:41,873 DOES AGENCY TURNOVER. 20 00:00:48,381 --> 00:00:51,949 >>> A PILOT PROGRAM DESIGNED TO 21 00:00:51,952 --> 00:00:54,018 HELP FOSTER FAMILIES IS MAKING 22 00:00:54,021 --> 00:00:56,387 AN IMPACT IN PIMA COUNTY. 23 00:00:56,390 --> 00:00:59,290 ARIZONA PUBLIC MEDIA'S 24 00:00:59,293 --> 00:00:59,590 CHRISTOPHER CONOVER HAS THE 25 00:00:59,593 --> 00:01:02,660 STORY. 26 00:01:02,663 --> 00:01:04,362 >> TWO DOZEN CHURCHES IN PIMA 27 00:01:04,365 --> 00:01:06,064 COUNTY ARE OPENING DOORS, 28 00:01:06,067 --> 00:01:07,265 STORAGE ROOMS, WALLETS AND 29 00:01:07,268 --> 00:01:08,366 HEARTS TO WORK WITH WITH THE 30 00:01:08,369 --> 00:01:10,468 DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY TO 31 00:01:10,471 --> 00:01:12,704 HELP FAMILIES IN NEED. 32 00:01:12,707 --> 00:01:13,037 IT'S A PROGRAM CALLED CARE 33 00:01:13,040 --> 00:01:16,774 PORTAL. 34 00:01:16,777 --> 00:01:18,076 >> OFTENTIMES THE CASE WORKER 35 00:01:18,079 --> 00:01:20,278 KNOWS THE IMMEDIATE FELT NEED OF 36 00:01:20,281 --> 00:01:21,946 A CHILD OR FAMILY BUT IT'S VERY 37 00:01:21,949 --> 00:01:23,281 DIFFICULT TO GET THAT OUT TO THE 38 00:01:23,284 --> 00:01:25,283 PEOPLE WHO CAN REALLY DO 39 00:01:25,286 --> 00:01:27,385 ANYTHING TO MEET THAT NEED. 40 00:01:27,388 --> 00:01:29,821 SO, BELIEVING THAT THE CHURCH IS 41 00:01:29,824 --> 00:01:32,690 CALLED TO CARE FOR WIDOWS AND OR 42 00:01:32,693 --> 00:01:35,226 PHONES AS IT SAYS IN JAMES 1:27, 43 00:01:35,229 --> 00:01:36,961 THAT'S PURE RELIGION CARING FOR 44 00:01:36,964 --> 00:01:40,732 WIDOWS AND ORPHANS IN DISTRESS 45 00:01:40,735 --> 00:01:42,834 WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AND A 46 00:01:42,837 --> 00:01:44,736 RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP DCF MEET 47 00:01:44,739 --> 00:01:48,072 THE NEEDS OF THIS CHILDREN. 48 00:01:48,075 --> 00:01:49,440 >> WHEN DCS FINDS A FAMILY 49 00:01:49,443 --> 00:01:51,142 NEEDING ASSISTANCE CARE PORTAL 50 00:01:51,145 --> 00:01:52,377 SENDS E-MAIL TO MEMBER CHURCHES 51 00:01:52,380 --> 00:01:54,412 ASKING FOR HELP. 52 00:01:54,415 --> 00:01:57,048 AT FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD IN 53 00:01:57,051 --> 00:01:57,348 TUCSON AND LENA AND JOE WHO GET 54 00:01:57,351 --> 00:01:59,384 THAT. 55 00:01:59,387 --> 00:02:00,785 >> SINCE WE'RE A TEAM, IT'S KIND 56 00:02:00,788 --> 00:02:02,720 OF SIMPLE. 57 00:02:02,723 --> 00:02:04,889 I'M NEXT TO HIM LOOKING AT THE 58 00:02:04,892 --> 00:02:06,124 COMPUTER REQUESTS, AND WE TALK 59 00:02:06,127 --> 00:02:07,025 OVER WITH EACH OTHER. 60 00:02:07,028 --> 00:02:08,760 WE PRAY ABOUT IT. 61 00:02:08,763 --> 00:02:10,228 AND IF IT'S SOMETHING WE FEEL WE 62 00:02:10,231 --> 00:02:10,561 CAN DO WE BRING IT BEFORE THE 63 00:02:10,564 --> 00:02:15,500 CHURCH. 64 00:02:15,503 --> 00:02:15,800 >> THOSE REQUESTS CAN RUN THE 65 00:02:15,803 --> 00:02:17,702 GAMUT. 66 00:02:17,705 --> 00:02:22,907 >> WE'VE TAKEN TODDLER BEDS, 67 00:02:22,910 --> 00:02:23,274 REGULAR BEDS, BUNK BEDS, FOOD, 68 00:02:23,277 --> 00:02:25,109 DRESSERS. 69 00:02:25,112 --> 00:02:27,111 >> THEY SCOUR THE INTERNET FOR 70 00:02:27,114 --> 00:02:27,412 GOOD DEALS ON THINGS FAMILIES 71 00:02:27,415 --> 00:02:29,514 NEED. 72 00:02:29,517 --> 00:02:30,715 THE MOST EXCITING FOR EVERYONE 73 00:02:30,718 --> 00:02:32,116 IS BEDS. 74 00:02:32,119 --> 00:02:32,850 >> THAT'S A GOOD ONE. 75 00:02:32,853 --> 00:02:34,318 >> THAT'S PERFECT. 76 00:02:34,321 --> 00:02:36,521 >> A DRESSER INCLUDED. 77 00:02:36,524 --> 00:02:37,689 >> THE KIDS, THEY LOVE IT WHEN 78 00:02:37,692 --> 00:02:39,257 YOU BRING THEM A BED. 79 00:02:39,260 --> 00:02:39,991 THEY JUMP ON THE BED 80 00:02:39,994 --> 00:02:42,160 IMMEDIATELY, AS SOON AS YOU SET 81 00:02:42,163 --> 00:02:43,294 IT UP THEY GET ON THE BED AND GO 82 00:02:43,297 --> 00:02:44,262 OH, MOM, IS THIS MINE. 83 00:02:44,265 --> 00:02:46,364 THEY LOVE IT. 84 00:02:46,367 --> 00:02:48,366 >> CARE PORTAL DOESN'T CAKE 85 00:02:48,369 --> 00:02:48,700 MONEY FROM DCS TO RUN THE 86 00:02:48,703 --> 00:02:50,968 PROGRAM. 87 00:02:50,971 --> 00:02:52,270 THE FUNDS COME FROM DONATIONS. 88 00:02:52,273 --> 00:02:53,438 SOMETHING THAT COULD PUT A 89 00:02:53,441 --> 00:02:55,206 STRAIN ON CHURCH BUDGETS. 90 00:02:55,209 --> 00:02:57,208 >> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT 91 00:02:57,211 --> 00:02:57,508 EVERYBODY COULD BE INVOLVED 92 00:02:57,511 --> 00:02:59,243 WITH. 93 00:02:59,246 --> 00:03:01,079 IF YOU CAN ONLY THROW A DOLLAR 94 00:03:01,082 --> 00:03:03,348 TOWARD IT THAT GOES A LONG WAY 95 00:03:03,351 --> 00:03:05,583 WHEN YOU HAVE NEEDS LIKE 96 00:03:05,586 --> 00:03:07,352 MATTRESSES, BEDS, DRESSERS, 97 00:03:07,355 --> 00:03:09,153 BEDROOM FURNITURE, OR SOFA FOR 98 00:03:09,156 --> 00:03:13,891 THE LIVING ROOM. 99 00:03:13,894 --> 00:03:14,258 AND SO, EVERYBODY HAS BEEN VERY 100 00:03:14,261 --> 00:03:16,327 GENEROUS. 101 00:03:16,330 --> 00:03:18,129 >> DCS IS OFTEN SEEN AS THE BAD 102 00:03:18,132 --> 00:03:18,896 GUY, THE PEOPLE TAKING KIDS OUT 103 00:03:18,899 --> 00:03:20,732 OF HOMES. 104 00:03:20,735 --> 00:03:22,600 BUT OFFICIALS SAY PARTNERING 105 00:03:22,603 --> 00:03:23,735 WITH CARE PORTAL IS ABOUT JUST 106 00:03:23,738 --> 00:03:25,403 THE OPTS SIT. 107 00:03:25,406 --> 00:03:28,272 >> IT'S TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE 108 00:03:28,275 --> 00:03:29,007 SYSTEM, IT'S TO PRESERVE THEM 109 00:03:29,010 --> 00:03:29,374 WITH PEOPLE THEY KNOW AND THEY 110 00:03:29,377 --> 00:03:30,742 ARE LOVED. 111 00:03:30,745 --> 00:03:32,410 WE BELIEVE WHEN IT'S NOT SAFE 112 00:03:32,413 --> 00:03:33,745 FOR A CHILD TO BE IN A HOME WITH 113 00:03:33,748 --> 00:03:35,546 FAMILY THEN WE SHOULD LOOK AT 114 00:03:35,549 --> 00:03:37,715 SOMEBODY ELSE THAT IS CONNECTED 115 00:03:37,718 --> 00:03:38,750 TO THAT CHILD TO LOVE THEM AND 116 00:03:38,753 --> 00:03:40,084 GIVE THEM CARE IN THAT TIME. 117 00:03:40,087 --> 00:03:42,220 SO IT'S A WAY WE CAN REACH OUT 118 00:03:42,223 --> 00:03:43,755 TO RELATIVES AND THEY MAY NEED 119 00:03:43,758 --> 00:03:45,089 OKAY, WE NEED A BED TO DO THAT 120 00:03:45,092 --> 00:03:46,924 OR WE'RE NOT SET UP YET OR YOU 121 00:03:46,927 --> 00:03:48,593 KNOW, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE FOUR 122 00:03:48,596 --> 00:03:50,995 KIDS TO THEIR HOME SO MAYBE THEY 123 00:03:50,998 --> 00:03:51,295 NEED EXTRA HELP THROUGH THAT 124 00:03:51,298 --> 00:03:52,897 WEEK. 125 00:03:52,900 --> 00:03:53,197 SO THAT'S WHAT IT'S REALLY 126 00:03:53,200 --> 00:03:55,867 ABOUT. 127 00:03:55,870 --> 00:03:56,868 >> I THINK WE HAVE THAT. 128 00:03:56,871 --> 00:03:58,903 WE SHOULD REALLY TAKE THAT ONE. 129 00:03:58,906 --> 00:04:00,171 >> CARE PORTAL LAUNCHED IN PIMA 130 00:04:00,174 --> 00:04:02,173 COUNTY IN DECEMBER, OFFICIALS 131 00:04:02,176 --> 00:04:03,441 SAY THEY WANT TO TAKE TO THE 132 00:04:03,444 --> 00:04:04,642 MARICOPA COUNTY BASED ON THREE 133 00:04:04,645 --> 00:04:06,878 MONTHS OF SUCCESS. 134 00:04:06,881 --> 00:04:10,515 >> IT IS WORKING, WE ARE 135 00:04:10,518 --> 00:04:11,749 FOLLOWING UP, WE DO A WEEK 136 00:04:11,752 --> 00:04:14,819 FOLLOW-UP, WE DO -- WE'RE GOING 137 00:04:14,822 --> 00:04:15,787 TO FOLLOW UP AND SEE IF THIS IS 138 00:04:15,790 --> 00:04:17,121 REALLY WORKING SO THOUGH IT'S 139 00:04:17,124 --> 00:04:18,289 EARLY STAGES EVEN THE FAMILIES 140 00:04:18,292 --> 00:04:20,224 THAT HAVE BEEN HELPED IN THE 141 00:04:20,227 --> 00:04:22,460 LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, THEY ARE 142 00:04:22,463 --> 00:04:23,061 STILL A FAMILY, WE HAVEN'T 143 00:04:23,064 --> 00:04:26,030 REMOVED CHILDREN. 144 00:04:26,033 --> 00:04:27,432 >> THE GOAL IS GET MORE THAN 100 145 00:04:27,435 --> 00:04:28,666 CHURCHES INVOLVED IN PIMA COUNTY 146 00:04:28,669 --> 00:04:31,936 BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. 147 00:04:31,939 --> 00:04:32,303 NOT TO MENTION THE EXPANSION TO 148 00:04:32,306 --> 00:04:33,905 MARICOPA. 149 00:04:33,908 --> 00:04:35,907 FOR CHURCHES WORRIED ABOUT 150 00:04:35,910 --> 00:04:37,275 TAKING THE RESPONSIBILITY ON, 151 00:04:37,278 --> 00:04:39,277 PASTOR MUNNS UNDERSTANDS HOW 152 00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:40,878 TIGHT BUDGETS GET. 153 00:04:40,881 --> 00:04:41,212 BUT HE SAYS THAT'S NOT AN 154 00:04:41,215 --> 00:04:44,615 EXCUSE. 155 00:04:44,618 --> 00:04:46,117 >> SO, IT'S ALMOST LIKE I CAN'T 156 00:04:46,120 --> 00:04:49,454 DO ANYTHING RIGHT NOW. 157 00:04:49,457 --> 00:04:51,356 WELL, NOW IS WHEN IT'S NEEDED. 158 00:04:51,359 --> 00:04:53,524 SO, I WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE 159 00:04:53,527 --> 00:04:56,427 JUST TO STOP SOMETHING ELSE THAT 160 00:04:56,430 --> 00:04:57,362 YOU'RE NOT REALLY BEING 161 00:04:57,365 --> 00:04:59,464 EFFECTIVE WITH AND LET'S KEEP 162 00:04:59,467 --> 00:05:00,999 THE KIDS WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND 163 00:05:01,002 --> 00:05:03,534 SO THERE'S NOT ALL OF THIS 164 00:05:03,537 --> 00:05:04,969 SHUFFLING KIDS FROM' TER CARE TO 165 00:05:04,972 --> 00:05:07,005 FOSTER CARE AND DIFFERENT PLACES 166 00:05:07,008 --> 00:05:11,042 THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO STAY AND 167 00:05:11,045 --> 00:05:11,409 JUST KEEP THEM WITH THEIR 168 00:05:11,412 --> 00:05:13,878 FAMILIES. 169 00:05:13,881 --> 00:05:15,880 >>> NEARLY 20,000 CHILDREN IN 170 00:05:15,883 --> 00:05:18,049 ARIZONA ARE OUT OF THEIR HOMES 171 00:05:18,052 --> 00:05:20,151 AND CONSIDERED IN STATE CUSTODY. 172 00:05:20,154 --> 00:05:23,388 SENATE PRESIDENT ANDY BIGGS SAYS 173 00:05:23,391 --> 00:05:23,755 LAWMAKERS TAKE THAT NUMBER 174 00:05:23,758 --> 00:05:25,723 SERIOUSLY. 175 00:05:25,726 --> 00:05:28,192 >> WE INCREASED FUNDING THERE 176 00:05:28,195 --> 00:05:32,330 LIKE 350% OVER FOUR YEARS, AND 177 00:05:32,333 --> 00:05:34,432 AS YOU SAY, WE CONTINUE TO SEE 178 00:05:34,435 --> 00:05:36,567 CASE LOAD GROWTH AND SOMETIMES 179 00:05:36,570 --> 00:05:38,102 THE PRIORITIES ARE NOT REALLY 180 00:05:38,105 --> 00:05:40,605 WHAT I PERSONALLY AND I THINK A 181 00:05:40,608 --> 00:05:40,938 LOT OF MY MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO 182 00:05:40,941 --> 00:05:42,940 SEE. 183 00:05:42,943 --> 00:05:44,742 I THINK -- I THINK WE ALL COME 184 00:05:44,745 --> 00:05:46,678 ACROSS -- CAN COME TO THE 185 00:05:46,681 --> 00:05:49,814 BIPARTISAN CONCLUSION NOW THAT 186 00:05:49,817 --> 00:05:52,517 IT IS BETTER TO KEEP A CHILD IN 187 00:05:52,520 --> 00:05:55,486 THEIR HOME WITH SERVICES WHERE 188 00:05:55,489 --> 00:05:57,655 POSSIBLE. 189 00:05:57,658 --> 00:05:58,956 BUT OUR REMOVAL RATE IS AN 190 00:05:58,959 --> 00:06:00,658 OUTLIER NATIONALLY. 191 00:06:00,661 --> 00:06:01,125 SO WE'RE TAKING AWAY TOO MANY 192 00:06:01,128 --> 00:06:02,827 KIDS. 193 00:06:02,830 --> 00:06:04,028 I THINK THERE IS KIND OF A 194 00:06:04,031 --> 00:06:05,763 CONSENSUS ACROSS BOTH PARTY 195 00:06:05,766 --> 00:06:06,864 LINES OF THAT. 196 00:06:06,867 --> 00:06:08,833 BUT WHAT I WOULD TELL YOU IS 197 00:06:08,836 --> 00:06:11,235 THAT AS WE LOOK AT IT AND IF WE 198 00:06:11,238 --> 00:06:13,171 CHECK IT OUT WITH BUDGETTARY 199 00:06:13,174 --> 00:06:14,439 ISSUES, WITH POLICY ISSUES, 200 00:06:14,442 --> 00:06:15,039 THOSE ARE GOING TO BE RELATED TO 201 00:06:15,042 --> 00:06:17,909 ONE ANOTHER. 202 00:06:17,912 --> 00:06:19,677 WE WANT TO SEE PROGRESS AND IF 203 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:22,046 WE SEE PROGRESS OR AREA OF NEED, 204 00:06:22,049 --> 00:06:25,283 WE WANT TO KNOW THAT THAT AREA 205 00:06:25,286 --> 00:06:28,820 OF NEED IS BEING MET, BOTH 206 00:06:28,823 --> 00:06:30,755 RESOURCE WISE FROM A BUDGETARY 207 00:06:30,758 --> 00:06:32,490 STANDPOINT, CERTAINLY FROM THE 208 00:06:32,493 --> 00:06:36,361 HUMAN CAPITAL SIDE. 209 00:06:36,364 --> 00:06:37,495 SO THIS IS -- THIS IS REALLY -- 210 00:06:37,498 --> 00:06:38,196 THIS IS REALLY THE PROBLEM THAT 211 00:06:38,199 --> 00:06:40,331 WE HAVE. 212 00:06:40,334 --> 00:06:44,102 AND I THINK THERE'S NO ONE HERE 213 00:06:44,105 --> 00:06:45,436 THAT IS SAYING THIS IS FIXED OR 214 00:06:45,439 --> 00:06:52,377 WE'RE CONTENT. 215 00:06:52,380 --> 00:06:54,579 I THINK EVERYBODY HERE IS 216 00:06:54,582 --> 00:06:55,146 ACTIVITY CONTINUES TO REMAIN AT 217 00:06:55,149 --> 00:06:57,582 THE FOREFRONT OF OUR 218 00:06:57,585 --> 00:06:58,850 DISCUSSIONINGS. 219 00:06:58,853 --> 00:07:01,219 WHETHER IT'S BUDGET OR POLICY. 220 00:07:01,222 --> 00:07:02,920 I THINK THAT'S A GOOD THING. 221 00:07:02,923 --> 00:07:03,521 SO I WAS ORIGINALLY -- LET ME 222 00:07:03,524 --> 00:07:06,057 GIVE YOU A FOR INSTANCE. 223 00:07:06,060 --> 00:07:09,160 I WAS ORIGINALLY OPPOSED TO THE 224 00:07:09,163 --> 00:07:11,295 REMOVAL FROM EES BECAUSE THEY 225 00:07:11,298 --> 00:07:12,263 WERE TRYING TO SELL IT AS 226 00:07:12,266 --> 00:07:13,498 EFFICIENCY MEASURE. 227 00:07:13,501 --> 00:07:15,133 BUT I NEVER COULD SEE HOW THAT 228 00:07:15,136 --> 00:07:18,302 COULD BE THE CASE BECAUSE WHEN 229 00:07:18,305 --> 00:07:19,737 YOU'RE IN DES, A LOT OF SERVICE 230 00:07:19,740 --> 00:07:22,006 PROVIDERS ARE HOUSED AND YOU 231 00:07:22,009 --> 00:07:23,741 CAN -- YOU SHOULD BE HAVING THE 232 00:07:23,744 --> 00:07:24,042 COMMUNICATIONS TO MAKE THAT 233 00:07:24,045 --> 00:07:26,377 WORK. 234 00:07:26,380 --> 00:07:28,479 BUT THE ONE THING I'LL SAY IS 235 00:07:28,482 --> 00:07:28,746 REALLY HAPPENED IN A POSITIVE 236 00:07:28,749 --> 00:07:31,549 WAY. 237 00:07:31,552 --> 00:07:32,450 ALTHOUGH A LOT OF PEOPLE PAY NOT 238 00:07:32,453 --> 00:07:32,950 SEE IT AS POSITIVE. 239 00:07:32,953 --> 00:07:35,887 I DO. 240 00:07:35,890 --> 00:07:37,288 IS BY PULLING DCS OUT OF DES 241 00:07:37,291 --> 00:07:40,892 WHAT YOU HAVE DONE NOW IS THERE 242 00:07:40,895 --> 00:07:42,927 IS -- THERE'S NO PLACE TO HIDE. 243 00:07:42,930 --> 00:07:44,696 IT IS UNDER MAGNIFYING GLASS. 244 00:07:44,699 --> 00:07:47,031 >> THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD 245 00:07:47,034 --> 00:07:48,433 SAFETY KNOWN AS DCS IS ONE OF 246 00:07:48,436 --> 00:07:50,168 THE LARGEST STATE AGENCIES. 247 00:07:50,171 --> 00:07:52,203 AS A NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE 248 00:07:52,206 --> 00:07:53,638 SYSTEM GROWS, SO DOES TURNOVER 249 00:07:53,641 --> 00:07:56,574 RATE FOR CASE WORKERS. 250 00:07:56,577 --> 00:07:59,944 HERE AGAIN IS CHRISTOPHER 251 00:07:59,947 --> 00:08:01,746 CONOVER WITH DOUG NICK. 252 00:08:01,749 --> 00:08:03,414 >> WE'VE SEEN IN SEVERAL MONTHS 253 00:08:03,417 --> 00:08:04,582 ENCOURAGING TRENDS, ONE THING 254 00:08:04,585 --> 00:08:05,516 OUR SERVICE WAIT LIST IS DOWN 255 00:08:05,519 --> 00:08:06,818 WHICH IS EXCELLENT. 256 00:08:06,821 --> 00:08:08,519 SERVICES THAT GO TO FAMILIES 257 00:08:08,522 --> 00:08:10,521 THAT MAY BE IN CRISIS, AND 258 00:08:10,524 --> 00:08:11,656 THAT'S A GREAT MEASUREMENT OF 259 00:08:11,659 --> 00:08:13,591 INTERVENING BEFORE A CRISIS GETS 260 00:08:13,594 --> 00:08:15,193 OUT OF HAND AND A CHILD IS IN 261 00:08:15,196 --> 00:08:16,794 DANGER AND NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. 262 00:08:16,797 --> 00:08:18,329 THAT'S A GOOD TREND TO SEE THAT 263 00:08:18,332 --> 00:08:20,732 WAIT LIST GO DOWN. 264 00:08:20,735 --> 00:08:23,701 WE SEE THE BACKLOG OF ACTIVE 265 00:08:23,704 --> 00:08:26,037 CASES BEING WHITTLED DOWN, ABOUT 266 00:08:26,040 --> 00:08:28,072 22% SINCE THE DIRECTOR TOOK 267 00:08:28,075 --> 00:08:28,339 OFFICE, ALMOST EXACTLY A YEAR 268 00:08:28,342 --> 00:08:30,074 AGO. 269 00:08:30,077 --> 00:08:32,410 WHEN HE STARTED THAT LIST OF 270 00:08:32,413 --> 00:08:33,444 INACTIVE CASES THE BACKLOG WAS 271 00:08:33,447 --> 00:08:35,413 OVER 16,000. 272 00:08:35,416 --> 00:08:38,049 AS OF TODAY IT'S ABOUT 12,500. 273 00:08:38,052 --> 00:08:39,017 THAT'S ABOUT A 22% DROP. 274 00:08:39,020 --> 00:08:40,518 SO THAT'S EXCELLENT NEWS. 275 00:08:40,521 --> 00:08:42,286 AND THAT SHOWS A LOT OF HARD 276 00:08:42,289 --> 00:08:43,688 WORK ON THE PART OF OUR FIELD 277 00:08:43,691 --> 00:08:44,922 STAFF AND SUPERVISORS, PEOPLE 278 00:08:44,925 --> 00:08:47,258 OUT THERE IN THE OFFICES DOING 279 00:08:47,261 --> 00:08:50,361 THE JOB, TO CLOSE THOSE PORTS 280 00:08:50,364 --> 00:08:53,264 THAT COME IN TO COMPLETE THE 281 00:08:53,267 --> 00:08:54,132 CASES THAT ARE COMPRISED OF MANY 282 00:08:54,135 --> 00:08:57,969 OF THOSE REPORTS. 283 00:08:57,972 --> 00:08:58,870 IT'S A TESTAMENT TO THEIR HARD 284 00:08:58,873 --> 00:09:01,873 WORK AND STATUTORY. 285 00:09:01,876 --> 00:09:02,240 A COUPLE OF ENCOURAGING 286 00:09:02,243 --> 00:09:04,108 STEININGS. 287 00:09:04,111 --> 00:09:06,144 >> THE DIRECTOR SPOKE RECENTLY 288 00:09:06,147 --> 00:09:08,446 WITH THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS 289 00:09:08,449 --> 00:09:09,580 COMMITTEE, GAVE ALL OF THE 290 00:09:09,583 --> 00:09:11,382 NUMBERS, SOME OF THOSE NUMBERS 291 00:09:11,385 --> 00:09:11,883 ARE UP ESPECIALLY THE CALLS 292 00:09:11,886 --> 00:09:14,052 COMING IN. 293 00:09:14,055 --> 00:09:15,019 BUT THE NUMBER OF REPORTS FILED 294 00:09:15,022 --> 00:09:16,888 IS CHANGING. 295 00:09:16,891 --> 00:09:18,823 YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF 296 00:09:18,826 --> 00:09:20,024 REPORTS THAT COME IN, OR RATHER 297 00:09:20,027 --> 00:09:21,426 THE CALLS THAT COME IN. 298 00:09:21,429 --> 00:09:22,493 WE ANSWER THE PHONE REGARDLESS 299 00:09:22,496 --> 00:09:27,565 OF WHO CALLED. 300 00:09:27,568 --> 00:09:29,267 MANY OF THOSE CALLS ARE MUNDANE 301 00:09:29,270 --> 00:09:30,335 IN TERMS OF ALLEGATION OF CHILD 302 00:09:30,338 --> 00:09:31,336 ABUSE OR NEGLECT. 303 00:09:31,339 --> 00:09:32,837 MAY BE SOMEBODY THAT CALLED IN 304 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:34,739 THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO GET A 305 00:09:34,742 --> 00:09:36,674 PHONE NUMBER OF A CASE WORKER 306 00:09:36,677 --> 00:09:38,509 AND IT'S NOT AN EMERGENCY. 307 00:09:38,512 --> 00:09:40,945 SO THE NUMBER OF REPORTS THAT WE 308 00:09:40,948 --> 00:09:42,046 TAKE FOR INVESTIGATIONS IN THE 309 00:09:42,049 --> 00:09:43,648 LAST CALENDAR YEAR WAS IN THE 310 00:09:43,651 --> 00:09:45,183 NEIGHBORHOODS OF 51,000, WE'RE 311 00:09:45,186 --> 00:09:46,551 PROJECTING ABOUT THE SAME NUMBER 312 00:09:46,554 --> 00:09:46,851 OF MAYBE SLIGHT INCREASE THIS 313 00:09:46,854 --> 00:09:48,553 YEAR. 314 00:09:48,556 --> 00:09:50,288 BUT THEN IT'S LEVELING OFF. 315 00:09:50,291 --> 00:09:52,590 SO, THE REPORTS THAT COME, SORRY 316 00:09:52,593 --> 00:09:53,524 THE CALLS THAT COME IN AS A 317 00:09:53,527 --> 00:09:55,460 REFLECTION OF WHATEVER CALLS 318 00:09:55,463 --> 00:09:57,061 ARE, AND THE REPORTS REFLECTION 319 00:09:57,064 --> 00:09:58,396 OF OUR HOT LINE EXPERTS LOOKING 320 00:09:58,399 --> 00:09:59,497 AT THE CALL AND DETERMINING 321 00:09:59,500 --> 00:10:00,865 OKAY, DOES THIS RISE TO THE 322 00:10:00,868 --> 00:10:03,501 LEVEL OF A REPORT THAT NEEDS TO 323 00:10:03,504 --> 00:10:03,868 BE INVESTIGATED AND IF SO, WHAT 324 00:10:03,871 --> 00:10:05,370 PRIORITY. 325 00:10:05,373 --> 00:10:06,738 SO, WE'RE SEEING LEVELING OFF 326 00:10:06,741 --> 00:10:09,140 THERE AND PART OF THAT WOULD 327 00:10:09,143 --> 00:10:10,208 HAVE TO DO AGAIN WITH LOWERING 328 00:10:10,211 --> 00:10:11,309 THE SERVICE WAIT LIST BECAUSE 329 00:10:11,312 --> 00:10:14,545 SERVICES ARE GETTING OUT THERE 330 00:10:14,548 --> 00:10:16,080 IN A MORE RAPID TIME BEFORE 331 00:10:16,083 --> 00:10:18,216 TROUBLE BECOMES MUCH WORSE IN A 332 00:10:18,219 --> 00:10:19,884 FAMILY AND ALSO WHEN WE LOWER 333 00:10:19,887 --> 00:10:20,852 THE REPORTS OR THE NUMBER OF 334 00:10:20,855 --> 00:10:24,055 REPORTS WE COMPLETE MORE OF THEM 335 00:10:24,058 --> 00:10:25,390 THAT FREES UP PERSONNEL HOURS TO 336 00:10:25,393 --> 00:10:28,092 ADDRESS OTHER MATTERS THAT NEED 337 00:10:28,095 --> 00:10:29,460 TO BE ATTENDED TO AT THE AGENCY. 338 00:10:29,463 --> 00:10:29,827 SO IT DOES HAVE A HEALTHY METRIC 339 00:10:29,830 --> 00:10:31,462 TO IT. 340 00:10:31,465 --> 00:10:32,864 >> ONE OF THE THINGS THE 341 00:10:32,867 --> 00:10:34,732 DIRECTOR TALKED ABOUT PUBLICLY 342 00:10:34,735 --> 00:10:36,768 AND WE HEAR IN LEGISLATIVE HALLS 343 00:10:36,771 --> 00:10:37,835 IS THE USE OF PRIVATE 344 00:10:37,838 --> 00:10:38,670 CONTRACTORS TO HELP OUT. 345 00:10:38,673 --> 00:10:40,605 HOW DOES THAT WORK? 346 00:10:40,608 --> 00:10:42,974 >> WELL, THERE IS LEGISLATION TO 347 00:10:42,977 --> 00:10:44,509 THAT EFFECT, AND WE'LL SEE HOW 348 00:10:44,512 --> 00:10:45,910 THAT PLAYS OUT. 349 00:10:45,913 --> 00:10:48,046 WE CERTAINLY WELCOME ASSISTANCE, 350 00:10:48,049 --> 00:10:49,814 WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR 351 00:10:49,817 --> 00:10:51,015 ROLE AS A STATE AGENCY AS IS 352 00:10:51,018 --> 00:10:52,617 LAID OUT TIP STATE LAW THERE ARE 353 00:10:52,620 --> 00:10:56,020 CERTAIN THINGS THAT WE AS A 354 00:10:56,023 --> 00:10:56,454 STATE AGENCY MUST DO IN TERMS OF 355 00:10:56,457 --> 00:10:57,588 INVESTIGATION. 356 00:10:57,591 --> 00:10:58,589 THERE ARE SOME AREAS THAT NEED 357 00:10:58,592 --> 00:11:00,425 TO CONFORM WITH THE LAW. 358 00:11:00,428 --> 00:11:02,593 BUT WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING 359 00:11:02,596 --> 00:11:05,163 ASSISTANCE IN SOME AREAS, THERE 360 00:11:05,166 --> 00:11:07,465 ARE PROPER VENDORS AND SERVICE 361 00:11:07,468 --> 00:11:08,700 PARTNERS WE WORK WITH TO PROVIDE 362 00:11:08,703 --> 00:11:11,069 SERVICES, BUT ALSO SOME OTHER 363 00:11:11,072 --> 00:11:12,337 AREAS LIKE WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT 364 00:11:12,340 --> 00:11:13,471 LOWERING THE BACKLOG OF ACTIVE 365 00:11:13,474 --> 00:11:15,239 CASES WE HAVE ANOTHER STATE 366 00:11:15,242 --> 00:11:16,207 AGENCY HELP US WITH 367 00:11:16,210 --> 00:11:18,109 ADMINISTRATIVE WORK. 368 00:11:18,112 --> 00:11:18,910 FREEING UP OUR PROFESSIONALS TO 369 00:11:18,913 --> 00:11:21,179 DO THEIR PROFESSIONAL JOB. 370 00:11:21,182 --> 00:11:22,480 WE ALSO HAVE SOME VENDORS 371 00:11:22,483 --> 00:11:24,415 HELPING US IN THAT REGARD NOW. 372 00:11:24,418 --> 00:11:25,416 SO THAT WE CAN KNOCK DOWN THAT 373 00:11:25,419 --> 00:11:26,651 BACKLOG MORE. 374 00:11:26,654 --> 00:11:28,753 SO WE'RE CERTAINLY WILLING AND 375 00:11:28,756 --> 00:11:29,587 HAPPY TO HAVE THAT ASSISTANCE, 376 00:11:29,590 --> 00:11:32,390 WHEN IT'S APPROPRIATE AND DONE 377 00:11:32,393 --> 00:11:33,491 IN A WAY THAT FURTHERS THE 378 00:11:33,494 --> 00:11:35,159 STATUTORY MISSION OF THE AGENCY. 379 00:11:35,162 --> 00:11:37,562 >> I DON'T THINK ANY ONE WILL 380 00:11:37,565 --> 00:11:42,367 SAY BEING A CASE WORKER FOR 381 00:11:42,370 --> 00:11:44,402 CHILD PROTECTIVE AGENCY IS EASY. 382 00:11:44,405 --> 00:11:46,270 2:00 IN THE MORNING PHONE CALLS, 383 00:11:46,273 --> 00:11:47,372 LONG DAYS WITHOUT THOSE. 384 00:11:47,375 --> 00:11:49,073 THERE IS A BIG ATTRITION RATE 385 00:11:49,076 --> 00:11:50,241 AND THE DIRECTOR ADDRESSED THAT. 386 00:11:50,244 --> 00:11:52,076 HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT? 387 00:11:52,079 --> 00:11:54,812 >> OUR ATTRITION RATE WE'RE NOT 388 00:11:54,815 --> 00:11:57,215 AN OUTLIER IN THE COUNTRY, AND 389 00:11:57,218 --> 00:12:09,927 AMONG OTHER VENDORS NOT STATE 390 00:12:09,930 --> 00:12:12,964 SERVICE PROVIDER IT IS. 391 00:12:12,967 --> 00:12:14,132 SOME IDEAS FOR MERIT PAY AND 392 00:12:14,135 --> 00:12:15,133 INCENTIVES, SPOT INCENTIVE PAY, 393 00:12:15,136 --> 00:12:19,137 THAT KIND OF THING. 394 00:12:19,140 --> 00:12:21,005 ONE THING WE'RE DOING IS WITH 395 00:12:21,008 --> 00:12:23,007 THE INCREASE IN THE ABILITY TO 396 00:12:23,010 --> 00:12:24,842 TRAIN OUR PEOPLE AND HELP THEM 397 00:12:24,845 --> 00:12:26,344 TO DO THEIR JOBS BETTER AND TO 398 00:12:26,347 --> 00:12:28,579 BRING IN THESE OTHER ENTITIES 399 00:12:28,582 --> 00:12:30,114 THAT COME IN AND DO SOME OF THE 400 00:12:30,117 --> 00:12:31,349 ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS THAT FREES 401 00:12:31,352 --> 00:12:31,916 UP OUR PROFESSIONALS TO DO THE 402 00:12:31,919 --> 00:12:33,084 PROFESSIONAL WORK. 403 00:12:33,087 --> 00:12:35,219 AND THAT HELPS THEM WHEN THEY 404 00:12:35,222 --> 00:12:36,888 ARE DOING THE WORK THAT REALLY 405 00:12:36,891 --> 00:12:39,557 DEALS WITH THE CHILD'S 406 00:12:39,560 --> 00:12:40,291 WELLBEING, THAT HELPS REALLY 407 00:12:40,294 --> 00:12:42,794 BRING HOME THE FACT THAT THEY 408 00:12:42,797 --> 00:12:45,963 ARE DOING THIS TO HELP A CHILD. 409 00:12:45,966 --> 00:12:47,465 IT'S A MULTI-PRONGED EFFORT WITH 410 00:12:47,468 --> 00:12:49,634 AGAIN, THE PROPOSAL WE TALKED 411 00:12:49,637 --> 00:12:51,636 ABOUT, MORE TRAINING, THEY GET 412 00:12:51,639 --> 00:12:53,271 22 WEEKS AS THEY COME IN. 413 00:12:53,274 --> 00:12:54,939 AND THEN WE ADDED THREE WEEKS 414 00:12:54,942 --> 00:12:57,075 NOT CONSECUTIVELY BUT THREE 415 00:12:57,078 --> 00:12:58,109 WEEKS ADDED TO THAT OVER TIME, 416 00:12:58,112 --> 00:12:59,844 OF ADVANCED TRAINING. 417 00:12:59,847 --> 00:13:01,145 AND THE MORE YOU GIVE PEOPLE 418 00:13:01,148 --> 00:13:03,815 THESE TOOLS, THE BETTER THEY CAN 419 00:13:03,818 --> 00:13:04,549 USE THEM, THE BETTER THEY FEEL 420 00:13:04,552 --> 00:13:05,817 ABOUT THEIR JOB AND THE MORE WE 421 00:13:05,820 --> 00:13:07,518 DEAL WITH REPORTS COMING IN AND 422 00:13:07,521 --> 00:13:09,721 GET RID OF THE BACKLOG OF CASES 423 00:13:09,724 --> 00:13:11,322 THAT FREES UP WORK THAT IS 424 00:13:11,325 --> 00:13:12,523 MEANINGFUL WORK IN TERMS OF 425 00:13:12,526 --> 00:13:13,591 GETTING TO A CHILD THAT MAY BE 426 00:13:13,594 --> 00:13:17,161 IN DANGER. 427 00:13:17,164 --> 00:13:17,428 >>> TURNOVER IN DCS IS AT ABOUT 428 00:13:17,431 --> 00:13:20,565 35%. 429 00:13:20,568 --> 00:13:22,934 THE YEAR BEFORE IT WAS 25%. 430 00:13:22,937 --> 00:13:24,936 THE AGENCY SAYS ARIZONA CASE 431 00:13:24,939 --> 00:13:26,104 WORKERS AVERAGE ABOUT SIX YEARS 432 00:13:26,107 --> 00:13:29,941 ON THE JOB AND THEIR AVERAGE 433 00:13:29,944 --> 00:13:31,976 SALARY IS ABOUT $41,000 A YEAR. 434 00:13:31,979 --> 00:13:33,811 HERE'S TIMOTHY SCHULTZ FROM THE 435 00:13:33,814 --> 00:13:35,346 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL 436 00:13:35,349 --> 00:13:37,682 WORKERS ARIZONA CHAPTER. 437 00:13:37,685 --> 00:13:40,184 >> YOU ASKED THE LEGISLATURE AND 438 00:13:40,187 --> 00:13:40,518 CONTINUE TO NOT GIVE UP ON THE 439 00:13:40,521 --> 00:13:43,321 AGENCY. 440 00:13:43,324 --> 00:13:46,657 WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT? 441 00:13:46,660 --> 00:13:48,059 >> IF YOU DON'T ADD ADDITIONAL 442 00:13:48,062 --> 00:13:50,561 RESOURCES, IT'S THE TECHNOLOGY, 443 00:13:50,564 --> 00:13:52,030 IF YOU DON'T HIRE QUALIFIED 444 00:13:52,033 --> 00:13:54,098 PROFESSIONAL STAFF, WHO KNOW THE 445 00:13:54,101 --> 00:13:58,836 BEST PRACTICES, IF YOU DON'T 446 00:13:58,839 --> 00:14:00,171 HAVE INSPIRING PRAGMATIC GOOD 447 00:14:00,174 --> 00:14:00,471 LEADERSHIP, YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS 448 00:14:00,474 --> 00:14:03,675 WORK. 449 00:14:03,678 --> 00:14:04,976 AND IN THE END, CHILDREN AND 450 00:14:04,979 --> 00:14:05,309 FAMILIES ARE THE ONES THAT 451 00:14:05,312 --> 00:14:09,147 SUFFER. 452 00:14:09,150 --> 00:14:10,848 IT'S THE CHILD WHO LANGUISHES IN 453 00:14:10,851 --> 00:14:12,850 FOSTER CARE WHO DOESN'T GET 454 00:14:12,853 --> 00:14:14,619 ADOPTION, A CHILD IN FOSTER CARE 455 00:14:14,622 --> 00:14:15,119 WHO DOESN'T GET RETURNED TO HIS 456 00:14:15,122 --> 00:14:17,088 PARENTS. 457 00:14:17,091 --> 00:14:19,057 ALL OF THOSE WHEN YOU GIVE UP, 458 00:14:19,060 --> 00:14:21,225 THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT 459 00:14:21,228 --> 00:14:23,294 CHILDREN SUFFER. 460 00:14:23,297 --> 00:14:23,795 AND THESE CHILDREN HAVE SUFFERED 461 00:14:23,798 --> 00:14:25,730 ENOUGH. 462 00:14:25,733 --> 00:14:28,633 THE REALITY IS THAT THEY MAY 463 00:14:28,636 --> 00:14:30,034 HAVE BEEN REMOVED, THEY MAY HAVE 464 00:14:30,037 --> 00:14:32,637 EXPERIENCED NEGLECT, THEY MAY 465 00:14:32,640 --> 00:14:34,439 HAVE BEEN HUNGRY ACTION ALL OF 466 00:14:34,442 --> 00:14:36,174 THESE THINGS WHEN YOU GIVE UP ON 467 00:14:36,177 --> 00:14:39,210 THE AGENCY, WHEN YOU DON'T 468 00:14:39,213 --> 00:14:42,547 PROVIDE RESOURCES, TECHNOLOGY, 469 00:14:42,550 --> 00:14:45,249 QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL STAFF, 470 00:14:45,252 --> 00:14:46,918 AND, AND, QUALIFIED INSPIRING 471 00:14:46,921 --> 00:14:47,885 LEADERSHIP, YOU END UP WITH KIDS 472 00:14:47,888 --> 00:14:49,887 CAUGHT IN THIS SYSTEM. 473 00:14:49,890 --> 00:14:51,823 >> HOW WOULD YOU FIX THE AGENCY? 474 00:14:51,826 --> 00:14:53,057 A LOT OF LEGISLATORS WILL SAY 475 00:14:53,060 --> 00:14:53,591 YOU JUST CAN'T THROW MORE MONEY 476 00:14:53,594 --> 00:14:58,329 AT IT. 477 00:14:58,332 --> 00:14:59,864 WHAT DO YOU DO? 478 00:14:59,867 --> 00:15:01,899 >> WELL, THERE'S A LOT OF 479 00:15:01,902 --> 00:15:03,368 QUESTION ABOUT LEADERSHIP RIGHT 480 00:15:03,371 --> 00:15:06,838 NOW. 481 00:15:06,841 --> 00:15:10,241 I THINK THAT ONE IS THAT I THINK 482 00:15:10,244 --> 00:15:13,511 THAT THE AGENCY NEEDS HIGHLY 483 00:15:13,514 --> 00:15:18,216 QUALIFIED, HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL 484 00:15:18,219 --> 00:15:21,019 CHILD WELFARE LEADERSHIP AS A 485 00:15:21,022 --> 00:15:25,189 START. 486 00:15:25,192 --> 00:15:27,258 I THINK SECOND, I THINK WE NEED 487 00:15:27,261 --> 00:15:30,328 TO RAISE THE SALARIES OF THE 488 00:15:30,331 --> 00:15:33,998 PROFESSIONAL STAFF ON THE LINE. 489 00:15:34,001 --> 00:15:36,267 PROBABLY IN OUR GUESS, ESTIMATE, 490 00:15:36,270 --> 00:15:39,671 ANALYSIS, BY $10,000. 491 00:15:39,674 --> 00:15:43,574 NOW, THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY. 492 00:15:43,577 --> 00:15:45,243 BUT IT WILL STABILIZE THE AGENCY 493 00:15:45,246 --> 00:15:47,045 BECAUSE PEOPLE -- PEOPLE ARE 494 00:15:47,048 --> 00:15:49,013 LEAVING THE AGENCY BECAUSE OF 495 00:15:49,016 --> 00:15:51,849 ALL OF THESE MORALE AND CASE 496 00:15:51,852 --> 00:15:53,751 LOAD FACTORS, AND WE NEED -- WE 497 00:15:53,754 --> 00:15:56,554 NEED TO STABILIZE THAT WORK 498 00:15:56,557 --> 00:15:59,424 FORCE AS A WAY TO DO SHORT AND 499 00:15:59,427 --> 00:16:02,126 LONG TERM SOLUTIONS. 500 00:16:02,129 --> 00:16:05,396 SO, MORE INSPIRING, QUALIFIED 501 00:16:05,399 --> 00:16:05,963 LEADERSHIP, HIGHLY PAID, HIGHLY 502 00:16:05,966 --> 00:16:07,432 QUALIFIED STAFF. 503 00:16:07,435 --> 00:16:09,667 I'D MAKE MOST OF THESE JOBS 504 00:16:09,670 --> 00:16:11,436 REQUIRE A MASTER'S DEGREE IN 505 00:16:11,439 --> 00:16:13,071 SOCIAL WORK OR RELATED FIELD, 506 00:16:13,074 --> 00:16:14,939 VERY CLOSELY RELATED FIELD. 507 00:16:14,942 --> 00:16:18,343 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY. 508 00:16:18,346 --> 00:16:19,877 WE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE 509 00:16:19,880 --> 00:16:21,412 COMMUNITY AGENCIES THAT ARE 510 00:16:21,415 --> 00:16:22,847 PROVIDING THE SERVICE. 511 00:16:22,850 --> 00:16:24,248 ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT, SUBSTANCE 512 00:16:24,251 --> 00:16:25,450 ABUSE TREATMENT, FAMILY 513 00:16:25,453 --> 00:16:30,988 COUNSELING, ALL OF THOSE KINDS 514 00:16:30,991 --> 00:16:34,759 OF THINGS. 515 00:16:34,762 --> 00:16:36,327 AND I THINK WE -- WE NEED TO BE 516 00:16:36,330 --> 00:16:37,895 PATIENT A LITTLE BIT. 517 00:16:37,898 --> 00:16:40,131 IF WE DID ALL OF THAT. 518 00:16:40,134 --> 00:16:41,332 TAKES MORE RESOURCES, 519 00:16:41,335 --> 00:16:43,501 TECHNOLOGY, QUALIFIED STAFF. 520 00:16:43,504 --> 00:16:45,236 AND THEN A LITTLE PATIENCE. 521 00:16:45,239 --> 00:16:46,938 IF WE DON'T DO THOSE THINGS, 522 00:16:46,941 --> 00:16:48,439 WE'RE JUST -- WE'RE GOING TO BE 523 00:16:48,442 --> 00:16:51,342 HERE ANOTHER YEAR FROM NOW, TWO 524 00:16:51,345 --> 00:16:51,943 YEARS FROM NOW IF WE DON'T 525 00:16:51,946 --> 00:16:53,244 IMPLEMENT SOME OF THOSE 526 00:16:53,247 --> 00:16:53,678 SOLUTIONS THAT WE KNOW ARE OUT 527 00:16:53,681 --> 00:16:56,047 THERE. 528 00:16:56,050 --> 00:16:57,515 BEST PRACTICES, INSPIRING 529 00:16:57,518 --> 00:16:59,517 LEADERSHIP, SMALL CASE LOADS, 530 00:16:59,520 --> 00:17:00,918 HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF. 531 00:17:00,921 --> 00:17:02,387 HIGHLY PAID STAFF. 532 00:17:02,390 --> 00:17:03,988 THOSE KINDS OF SOLUTIONS. 533 00:17:03,991 --> 00:17:05,156 >> AS YOU SAID STICKING YOUR 534 00:17:05,159 --> 00:17:06,391 FINGER IN THE DAM. 535 00:17:06,394 --> 00:17:10,228 >> YEAH, RIGHT NOW WE'RE 536 00:17:10,231 --> 00:17:12,163 STICKING OUR FINGER IN THE DAM. 537 00:17:12,166 --> 00:17:12,430 AND WE'RE NOT DOING A VERY GOOD 538 00:17:12,433 --> 00:17:14,399 JOB. 539 00:17:14,402 --> 00:17:15,933 WE'RE LEAKING A LOT. 540 00:17:15,936 --> 00:17:18,169 35% TURNOVER SAYS THAT WE'RE 541 00:17:18,172 --> 00:17:20,638 LEAKING A LOT. 542 00:17:20,641 --> 00:17:22,807 THAT PEOPLE ARE -- THAT 543 00:17:22,810 --> 00:17:24,809 DEDICATED PEOPLE ARE LEAVING. 544 00:17:24,812 --> 00:17:25,610 I KNOW THAT I'VE HAD PEOPLE SAY 545 00:17:25,613 --> 00:17:27,311 THAT TO ME. 546 00:17:27,314 --> 00:17:28,713 I HAD A YOUNG SOCIAL WORKER THE 547 00:17:28,716 --> 00:17:31,015 OTHER DAY, AS SOON AS I'M DONE 548 00:17:31,018 --> 00:17:33,184 WITH MY COMMITMENT TO THE 549 00:17:33,187 --> 00:17:34,052 DEPARTMENT, SHE GOT HER MASTER'S 550 00:17:34,055 --> 00:17:35,787 DEGREE, I'M LEAVING. 551 00:17:35,790 --> 00:17:38,022 I SAID WHY? 552 00:17:38,025 --> 00:17:40,024 SAID IT'S JUST TOO CHAOTIC. 553 00:17:40,027 --> 00:17:42,560 I CAN'T -- I WANT TO SERVE 554 00:17:42,563 --> 00:17:42,827 CHILDREN BUT I CAN'T DO IT THAT 555 00:17:42,830 --> 00:17:47,365 WAY. 556 00:17:47,368 --> 00:17:49,233 AND THAT'S THE WRONG ANSWER. 557 00:17:49,236 --> 00:17:51,202 I MEAN, THAT'S -- HERE IS 558 00:17:51,205 --> 00:17:54,272 SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO DEDICATE 559 00:17:54,275 --> 00:17:55,907 THEIR LIVES, BUT WE NEED TO 560 00:17:55,910 --> 00:17:57,208 ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE, AND 561 00:17:57,211 --> 00:18:00,211 FRANKLY, PAY THEM WELL ENOUGH 562 00:18:00,214 --> 00:18:00,478 AND KEEP THEM QUALIFIED TO DO 563 00:18:00,481 --> 00:18:03,414 IT. 564 00:18:03,417 --> 00:18:05,149 >> DCS DIRECTOR GREG McKAY LED 565 00:18:05,152 --> 00:18:06,884 THE AGENCY FOR THE LAST YEAR. 566 00:18:06,887 --> 00:18:08,619 MINORITY LEADER ERIC MEYER SAYS 567 00:18:08,622 --> 00:18:11,089 HE IS DISAPPOINTED WITH 568 00:18:11,092 --> 00:18:13,157 LEADERSHIP THUS FAR. 569 00:18:13,160 --> 00:18:15,259 >> HE PAINTED A GOOD PICTURE, 570 00:18:15,262 --> 00:18:16,227 BUT THE FACTS DON'T SUPPORT THE 571 00:18:16,230 --> 00:18:18,296 PICTURE HE PAINTED. 572 00:18:18,299 --> 00:18:19,897 HE'S TALKING ABOUT REDUCING THE 573 00:18:19,900 --> 00:18:21,632 NUMBER OF CASES IN THE SYSTEM 574 00:18:21,635 --> 00:18:22,367 AND THAT COULD BE HAPPENING, WE 575 00:18:22,370 --> 00:18:24,202 DON'T KNOW. 576 00:18:24,205 --> 00:18:26,070 WE DON'T GET NUMBERS RIGHT NOW 577 00:18:26,073 --> 00:18:26,371 ON THE FREQUENT ENOUGH BASIS TO 578 00:18:26,374 --> 00:18:28,606 KNOW. 579 00:18:28,609 --> 00:18:30,508 BUT WHAT WE DO KNOW IS THAT 580 00:18:30,511 --> 00:18:32,243 WE'RE SHORT OVER 400 CASE 581 00:18:32,246 --> 00:18:32,643 WORKERS AND THAT NUMBER HASN'T 582 00:18:32,646 --> 00:18:34,879 IMPROVED. 583 00:18:34,882 --> 00:18:36,781 UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP THAT 584 00:18:36,784 --> 00:18:38,850 NUMBER'S -- THE NUMBER OF CASE 585 00:18:38,853 --> 00:18:39,951 WORKERS HAS DROPPED SO THERE IS 586 00:18:39,954 --> 00:18:40,651 A BIGGER DEF FIT THAN WHEN HE 587 00:18:40,654 --> 00:18:43,287 STARTED IN THE JOB. 588 00:18:43,290 --> 00:18:44,956 THE NUMBER OF KIDS TAKEN OUT OF 589 00:18:44,959 --> 00:18:47,158 THE HOME IS APPROACHING OVER 590 00:18:47,161 --> 00:18:50,161 20,000 NOW THAT ARE IN EITHER 591 00:18:50,164 --> 00:18:52,964 FOSTER OR CONGRA GAT CARE. 592 00:18:52,967 --> 00:18:55,199 AND THE COURTS ARE BACKLOGGED. 593 00:18:55,202 --> 00:18:58,202 AND WE KEEP -- AT LEAST I KEEP 594 00:18:58,205 --> 00:18:59,771 ON SO DO MANY OF MY MEMBERS KEEP 595 00:18:59,774 --> 00:19:03,074 ON HEARING STORIES ABOUT PARENTS 596 00:19:03,077 --> 00:19:04,609 HAVING PROBLEMS IN NOT GETTING 597 00:19:04,612 --> 00:19:06,044 SERVICES, NOT GETTING SERVICES 598 00:19:06,047 --> 00:19:08,079 FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT AND 599 00:19:08,082 --> 00:19:11,015 A BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS. 600 00:19:11,018 --> 00:19:13,584 SO IT'S NOT A PRETTY PICTURE. 601 00:19:13,587 --> 00:19:14,485 THIS IS GOVERNOR DUCEY'S HAND 602 00:19:14,488 --> 00:19:18,122 PICKED GUY. 603 00:19:18,125 --> 00:19:19,857 WHO DOESN'T SEEM TO BE CAPABLE 604 00:19:19,860 --> 00:19:23,294 OF DOING THE JOB. 605 00:19:23,297 --> 00:19:23,628 IT'S A HUGE AGENCY, $850 MILLION 606 00:19:23,631 --> 00:19:24,862 AGENCY. 607 00:19:24,865 --> 00:19:26,631 >> SOMETIMES WE HEAR THAT IT 608 00:19:26,634 --> 00:19:28,533 DOESN'T TAKE NECESSARILY MORE 609 00:19:28,536 --> 00:19:29,634 MONEY, MAYBE A RESTRUCTURING OF 610 00:19:29,637 --> 00:19:32,870 WHAT CURRENTLY EXISTS. 611 00:19:32,873 --> 00:19:36,074 >> WELL, WE HAVE INVESTED 612 00:19:36,077 --> 00:19:37,842 HEAVILY AND IT'S $850 MILLION 613 00:19:37,845 --> 00:19:39,711 BUDGET, AND WHEN I ASKED THE 614 00:19:39,714 --> 00:19:41,979 DIRECTOR FOR INSTANCE HOW HE IS 615 00:19:41,982 --> 00:19:43,348 SPENDING HIS MONEY ON THOSE 616 00:19:43,351 --> 00:19:44,582 PREVENTIVE SERVICES TO KEEP KIDS 617 00:19:44,585 --> 00:19:46,784 AND PARENTS TOGETHER HE COULDN'T 618 00:19:46,787 --> 00:19:48,453 GIVE ME AN ANSWER. 619 00:19:48,456 --> 00:19:50,088 SO, MONEY HELPS IN SOME CASES 620 00:19:50,091 --> 00:19:51,589 BUT WE NEED TO KNOW HOW IT'S 621 00:19:51,592 --> 00:19:52,690 BEING SPENT AND NEED TO HOLD THE 622 00:19:52,693 --> 00:19:54,559 DIRECTOR ACCOUNTABLE SO. 623 00:19:54,562 --> 00:19:57,061 IF WE DO GIVE HIM MONEY IN THIS 624 00:19:57,064 --> 00:19:57,795 BUDGET, WE WOULD RECOMMEND THAT 625 00:19:57,798 --> 00:19:59,063 THERE ARE ACCOUNTABILITY 626 00:19:59,066 --> 00:20:00,231 MEASURES IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE 627 00:20:00,234 --> 00:20:01,799 IT'S BEING SPENT APPROPRIATELY 628 00:20:01,802 --> 00:20:03,201 AND THAT WE'RE GETTING THE 629 00:20:03,204 --> 00:20:04,469 OUTCOMES WE SHOULD BE GETTING. 630 00:20:04,472 --> 00:20:06,437 >> ARIZONA CONTINUES TO BE ONE 631 00:20:06,440 --> 00:20:06,771 OF THE WORST STATES IN THE 632 00:20:06,774 --> 00:20:08,639 COUNTRY. 633 00:20:08,642 --> 00:20:10,208 WHY IS THAT? 634 00:20:10,211 --> 00:20:12,643 >> WELL, YOU KNOW, WE WERE 635 00:20:12,646 --> 00:20:15,313 MAKING A LITTLE PROGRESS AFTER 636 00:20:15,316 --> 00:20:18,649 WE REMOVED THE AGENCY AND MADE 637 00:20:18,652 --> 00:20:19,017 IT A STAND ALONE UNDER DIRECTOR 638 00:20:19,020 --> 00:20:21,452 FLANAGAN. 639 00:20:21,455 --> 00:20:23,021 THERE WAS A NUMBER OF THE 640 00:20:23,024 --> 00:20:24,522 NON-INVESTIGATED CASES AND THE 641 00:20:24,525 --> 00:20:25,923 BACKLOG STARTED TO SHRINK. 642 00:20:25,926 --> 00:20:27,558 BUT WE JUST AREN'T DOING WHAT 643 00:20:27,561 --> 00:20:29,827 OTHER STATES HAVE DONE AND WE 644 00:20:29,830 --> 00:20:31,629 PAID FOR AN AUDIT THAT SAID 645 00:20:31,632 --> 00:20:32,630 THESE ARE SPECIFIC THINGS OTHER 646 00:20:32,633 --> 00:20:34,065 STATES HAVE DONE THAT YOU COULD 647 00:20:34,068 --> 00:20:35,633 DO TO CHANGE THE COURSE. 648 00:20:35,636 --> 00:20:37,669 AND NONE OF THOSE POLICIES HAVE 649 00:20:37,672 --> 00:20:40,004 BEEN ADOPTED BY DIRECTOR McKAY 650 00:20:40,007 --> 00:20:41,673 AND YOU KNOW, IT'S LIKE A TOOL 651 00:20:41,676 --> 00:20:43,408 THAT ASSESSES A CHILD AND 652 00:20:43,411 --> 00:20:45,476 WHETHER THEY ARE SAFE TO STAY IN 653 00:20:45,479 --> 00:20:48,813 OR OUT OF HOME, WE AREN'T USING 654 00:20:48,816 --> 00:20:50,415 AN APPROPRIATE TOOL. 655 00:20:50,418 --> 00:20:51,215 AND OUR AUDITOR GENERAL SAID THE 656 00:20:51,218 --> 00:20:52,884 SAME THING. 657 00:20:52,887 --> 00:20:54,552 WE HAVE TO INVEST IN SERVICES 658 00:20:54,555 --> 00:20:56,788 THAT KEEP KIDS IN THE HOME. 659 00:20:56,791 --> 00:20:57,955 MOST OF THE KIDS COMING OUT ARE 660 00:20:57,958 --> 00:20:59,724 BECAUSE OF NEGLECT. 661 00:20:59,727 --> 00:21:02,160 SO THEY DON'T HAVE FOOD OR 662 00:21:02,163 --> 00:21:04,562 HEALTH SERVICES OR CHILD CARE. 663 00:21:04,565 --> 00:21:05,196 OR MAYBE DRUG OR ALCOHOL OR 664 00:21:05,199 --> 00:21:07,031 MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. 665 00:21:07,034 --> 00:21:07,432 THOSE ARE THE THINGS WE COULD 666 00:21:07,435 --> 00:21:08,599 INVEST IN. 667 00:21:08,602 --> 00:21:10,702 NOW THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET 668 00:21:10,705 --> 00:21:11,502 DOESN'T DO THAT, IN FACT IT CUTS 669 00:21:11,505 --> 00:21:14,439 FUNDING FOR THAT AGAIN. 670 00:21:14,442 --> 00:21:16,274 SO IT'S NOT A GOOD SITUATION. 671 00:21:16,277 --> 00:21:18,109 AND WE NEED TO CHANGE COURSE. 672 00:21:18,112 --> 00:21:18,409 I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S GOING TO 673 00:21:18,412 --> 00:21:20,478 TAKE. 674 00:21:20,481 --> 00:21:22,680 HOPEFULLY NOT A TRAGEDY. 675 00:21:22,683 --> 00:21:24,615 >>> LAWMAKERS HAVE INTRODUCED 676 00:21:24,618 --> 00:21:25,650 TWO CHILD SAFETY BILLS THIS 677 00:21:25,653 --> 00:21:28,419 LEGISLATIVE SESSION. 678 00:21:28,422 --> 00:21:28,920 HERE'S REPRESENTATIVE REBECCA 679 00:21:28,923 --> 00:21:31,422 RIOS. 680 00:21:31,425 --> 00:21:34,392 >> WE HAD TWO BILLS THIS YEAR 681 00:21:34,395 --> 00:21:36,861 AND ONE OF THEM HAD TO DO WITH 682 00:21:36,864 --> 00:21:39,197 THE BACKLOG AND ESSENTIALLY WENT 683 00:21:39,200 --> 00:21:39,931 AS FAR AS REDEFINING THE BACK 684 00:21:39,934 --> 00:21:41,966 LOG. 685 00:21:41,969 --> 00:21:44,402 AND I WAS VERY OPPOSED TO THE 686 00:21:44,405 --> 00:21:45,970 BILL BECAUSE NOW NOT ONLY DO WE 687 00:21:45,973 --> 00:21:46,237 HAVE THE PROBLEM OF THE BACK 688 00:21:46,240 --> 00:21:47,839 LOG. 689 00:21:47,842 --> 00:21:49,674 NOW WE'RE CHANGING THE METRIC 690 00:21:49,677 --> 00:21:52,610 HOW WE MEASURE SO IT WHEN WE 691 00:21:52,613 --> 00:21:55,947 HAVE HIM COME REPORT IN THREE 692 00:21:55,950 --> 00:21:58,716 MONTHS OR SIX MONTHS, IT'S GOING 693 00:21:58,719 --> 00:22:00,852 TO SAY THE BACKLOG DECREASED BUT 694 00:22:00,855 --> 00:22:01,185 YOUR NOT COMPARING APPLES TO 695 00:22:01,188 --> 00:22:02,987 APPLES. 696 00:22:02,990 --> 00:22:04,222 YOU CHANGED THE METRIC SO I'M 697 00:22:04,225 --> 00:22:05,456 VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THAT BILL 698 00:22:05,459 --> 00:22:06,924 GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS. 699 00:22:06,927 --> 00:22:07,291 I'M SURE THE GOVERNOR WILL SIGN 700 00:22:07,294 --> 00:22:08,059 IT. 701 00:22:08,062 --> 00:22:10,495 IT'S AN AGENCY BILL. 702 00:22:10,498 --> 00:22:12,330 THE OTHER BILL THAT I WAS VERY 703 00:22:12,333 --> 00:22:13,765 VOCAL IN OPPOSITION HAS TO DO 704 00:22:13,768 --> 00:22:15,199 WITH THE HOTLINE. 705 00:22:15,202 --> 00:22:16,868 YOU KNOW IT'S HARD TO GET PEOPLE 706 00:22:16,871 --> 00:22:18,803 TO CALL AND MAKE REPORTS WHEN 707 00:22:18,806 --> 00:22:20,672 THEY THINK A CHILD ISSING ABUSED 708 00:22:20,675 --> 00:22:22,674 OR NEGLECTED. 709 00:22:22,677 --> 00:22:25,576 LAST YEAR THERE WERE ABOUT 100 I 710 00:22:25,579 --> 00:22:27,378 THINK PER HIS REPORT, OR HIS 711 00:22:27,381 --> 00:22:29,247 TESTIMONY, ABOUT 143,000 CALLS 712 00:22:29,250 --> 00:22:32,183 TO THE HOT LINE. 713 00:22:32,186 --> 00:22:34,052 ABOUT 43,000 ROUGHLY, ROUGH 714 00:22:34,055 --> 00:22:35,420 NUMBERS, WERE INVESTIGATED. 715 00:22:35,423 --> 00:22:37,021 SO HE AND THE DEPARTMENT CAME 716 00:22:37,024 --> 00:22:38,623 AND HAD A BILL THAT ESSENTIALLY 717 00:22:38,626 --> 00:22:40,892 SAID YOU KNOW WHAT, THERE'S ALL 718 00:22:40,895 --> 00:22:43,027 OF THESE CALLS THAT REALLY WERE 719 00:22:43,030 --> 00:22:45,129 NOT ABLE TO INVESTIGATE OR 720 00:22:45,132 --> 00:22:46,798 WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION, SO YOU 721 00:22:46,801 --> 00:22:48,232 KNOW, WE'RE JUST GOING TO ASK 722 00:22:48,235 --> 00:22:50,635 YOU LEGISLATURE TO GIVE US 723 00:22:50,638 --> 00:22:50,968 PERMISSION TO NOT EVEN TAKE THE 724 00:22:50,971 --> 00:22:52,904 REPORT. 725 00:22:52,907 --> 00:22:55,907 AND SO NOW WE HAVE A BILL GOING 726 00:22:55,910 --> 00:22:58,443 THROUGH THE PROCESS THAT AGAIN, 727 00:22:58,446 --> 00:23:01,245 LIMITS THE TYPES OF REPORT THAT 728 00:23:01,248 --> 00:23:02,347 WILL EVEN BE TAKEN AND FOR ME 729 00:23:02,350 --> 00:23:03,981 IT'S TROUBLING BECAUSE THE 730 00:23:03,984 --> 00:23:05,850 HOTLINE IS THE FIRST STEP AND IF 731 00:23:05,853 --> 00:23:07,585 YOU NOW PUT A BILL OUT THERE 732 00:23:07,588 --> 00:23:09,020 THAT SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE 733 00:23:09,023 --> 00:23:10,154 PUBLIC YOU KNOW, MANY OF YOU ARE 734 00:23:10,157 --> 00:23:11,422 CALLING UNNECESSARILY I THINK 735 00:23:11,425 --> 00:23:12,824 YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE THE 736 00:23:12,827 --> 00:23:13,758 CHILLING EFFECT OF PEOPLE SECOND 737 00:23:13,761 --> 00:23:15,159 GUESSING THEMSELVES AND SAYING 738 00:23:15,162 --> 00:23:16,694 YOU KNOW WHAT, MAYBE IT'S NOT 739 00:23:16,697 --> 00:23:18,096 WHAT I THINK, MAYBE I SHOULDN'T 740 00:23:18,099 --> 00:23:18,763 GET INVOLVED I'M NOT GOING TO 741 00:23:18,766 --> 00:23:21,432 MAKE THAT CALL. 742 00:23:21,435 --> 00:23:23,434 THE OTHER PART IS, YOU MAY HAVE 743 00:23:23,437 --> 00:23:24,869 ONE OR TWO OR THREE DIFFERENT 744 00:23:24,872 --> 00:23:27,005 REPORTS THAT DON'T RISE TO THE 745 00:23:27,008 --> 00:23:28,473 LEVEL OF AN INVESTIGATION. 746 00:23:28,476 --> 00:23:30,241 BUT THAT FOURTH REPORT COMES IN, 747 00:23:30,244 --> 00:23:30,575 AND THEY ARE ABLE TO SEE A 748 00:23:30,578 --> 00:23:32,243 HISTORY. 749 00:23:32,246 --> 00:23:33,811 AND ABLE TO GO WAIT A MINUTE, 750 00:23:33,814 --> 00:23:35,179 YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A CALL FROM A 751 00:23:35,182 --> 00:23:37,081 TEACHER AND A NEIGHBOR, SOMEBODY 752 00:23:37,084 --> 00:23:39,017 GET OUT AND SEE WHAT'S GOING ON. 753 00:23:39,020 --> 00:23:40,618 NOW YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE 754 00:23:40,621 --> 00:23:42,687 THAT HISTORY BECAUSE THIS BILL 755 00:23:42,690 --> 00:23:46,491 WILL IN ESSENCE GIVE THEM 756 00:23:46,494 --> 00:23:48,526 PERMISSION NOT TO TAKE EVEN 757 00:23:48,529 --> 00:23:50,028 REPORTS ON SPECIFIC TYPES OF 758 00:23:50,031 --> 00:23:52,296 CALLS. 759 00:23:52,299 --> 00:23:52,697 I THINK THAT'S REALLY 760 00:23:52,700 --> 00:23:53,898 CONCERNING. 761 00:23:53,901 --> 00:23:55,099 >> ARIZONA RANKS AS ONE OF THE 762 00:23:55,102 --> 00:23:57,101 WORST STATES IN THE COUNTRY WHEN 763 00:23:57,104 --> 00:23:59,003 IT COMES TO CHILD SAFETY. 764 00:23:59,006 --> 00:24:02,306 AND SOME LAWMAKERS SAY IT WILL 765 00:24:02,309 --> 00:24:02,640 TAKE TIME TO OVERHAUL THE 766 00:24:02,643 --> 00:24:04,142 AGENCY. 767 00:24:04,145 --> 00:24:05,309 >> REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS 768 00:24:05,312 --> 00:24:06,744 ACKERLEY, THANKS FOR BEING HERE. 769 00:24:06,747 --> 00:24:08,212 >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME. 770 00:24:08,215 --> 00:24:08,479 >> CHILD SAFETY, WHERE IS IT 771 00:24:08,482 --> 00:24:10,815 NOW? 772 00:24:10,818 --> 00:24:12,517 THE NUMBERS KEEP GROWING. 773 00:24:12,520 --> 00:24:13,484 WE'RE HEARING THAT THERE IS A 774 00:24:13,487 --> 00:24:15,086 BLEAK PICTURE PAINTED. 775 00:24:15,089 --> 00:24:16,854 >> THE NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED. 776 00:24:16,857 --> 00:24:18,222 THE NUMBER OF REPORTS COMING IN 777 00:24:18,225 --> 00:24:20,825 HAVE INCREASED. 778 00:24:20,828 --> 00:24:23,027 WHAT THE DIRECTOR IS TESTIFIED 779 00:24:23,030 --> 00:24:25,430 TO IS THAT THERE ARE RIGHT NOW 780 00:24:25,433 --> 00:24:27,332 ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE 781 00:24:27,335 --> 00:24:29,233 NUMBERS, BUT THAT THAT HAS NOT 782 00:24:29,236 --> 00:24:32,136 ALLOWED THEM TO MAKE A WHOLE LOT 783 00:24:32,139 --> 00:24:35,740 OF PROGRESS ON THE BACKLOG THAT 784 00:24:35,743 --> 00:24:38,343 HAS MADE YOU KNOW, QUITE 785 00:24:38,346 --> 00:24:39,344 IMPORTANTLY OVER THE LAST COUPLE 786 00:24:39,347 --> 00:24:41,379 OF YEARS. 787 00:24:41,382 --> 00:24:41,779 >> WHAT'S YOUR ANALYSIS OF THESE 788 00:24:41,782 --> 00:24:44,615 NUMBERS? 789 00:24:44,618 --> 00:24:45,650 >> I TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD. 790 00:24:45,653 --> 00:24:46,684 I THINK WITH MOST OF THE WORK 791 00:24:46,687 --> 00:24:50,021 THAT WE'VE DONE ON THE CHILDREN 792 00:24:50,024 --> 00:24:51,989 AND FAMILY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN 793 00:24:51,992 --> 00:24:54,559 THE HOUSE REVOLVED AROUND ISSUES 794 00:24:54,562 --> 00:24:55,960 WITH DCS, A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT 795 00:24:55,963 --> 00:24:58,363 THINGS, WE'RE WORKING ON. 796 00:24:58,366 --> 00:25:01,733 ONE OF THE THINGS IS THAT BACK 797 00:25:01,736 --> 00:25:03,001 LOG AND ONE OF THE MEASURES WE 798 00:25:03,004 --> 00:25:06,170 PASSED AWAITING ACTION TO 799 00:25:06,173 --> 00:25:08,606 ACCEPTED TO THE SENATE IS TO 800 00:25:08,609 --> 00:25:10,241 ALLOW DCS TO CONTRACT WITH 801 00:25:10,244 --> 00:25:11,743 OUTSIDE PROVIDERS IN ORDER TO 802 00:25:11,746 --> 00:25:14,178 CLEAR SOME OF THAT BACK LOG. 803 00:25:14,181 --> 00:25:15,646 I KNOW IN A LOT OF AREAS THERE 804 00:25:15,649 --> 00:25:17,482 ARE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT 805 00:25:17,485 --> 00:25:19,650 WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH LAW 806 00:25:19,653 --> 00:25:20,885 ENFORCEMENT AND DCS AND A NUMBER 807 00:25:20,888 --> 00:25:22,887 OF SERVICE PROVIDERS AND THEY 808 00:25:22,890 --> 00:25:23,187 HAVE THE CAPACITY TO HELP WITH 809 00:25:23,190 --> 00:25:24,922 THAT. 810 00:25:24,925 --> 00:25:26,624 SO, ALLOWING THEM TO DO SOME OF 811 00:25:26,627 --> 00:25:27,225 THAT WORK TO START WORKING DOWN 812 00:25:27,228 --> 00:25:28,793 THAT BACK LOG. 813 00:25:28,796 --> 00:25:30,395 >> WHY DOES THIS CONTINUE TO BE 814 00:25:30,398 --> 00:25:30,695 SUCH A SERIOUS ISSUE IN THIS 815 00:25:30,698 --> 00:25:34,232 STATE? 816 00:25:34,235 --> 00:25:35,733 >> WELL, IT'S A CRUCIAL ISSUE. 817 00:25:35,736 --> 00:25:37,235 AND DUE TO THE LIFE AND DEATH 818 00:25:37,238 --> 00:25:40,805 NATURE OF THE ISSUE. 819 00:25:40,808 --> 00:25:42,407 I MEAN, YOU KNOW, OBVIOUSLY 820 00:25:42,410 --> 00:25:43,675 THERE ARE CAPACITY ISSUES AND WE 821 00:25:43,678 --> 00:25:45,910 HAVE TO ADDRESS THOSE. 822 00:25:45,913 --> 00:25:47,478 AT THE END OF THE DAY KIDS' 823 00:25:47,481 --> 00:25:48,613 SAFETY AND SOMETIMES THEIR LIVES 824 00:25:48,616 --> 00:25:50,548 HANG IN THE BALANCE SO WE HAVE 825 00:25:50,551 --> 00:25:51,282 TO GET IT RIGHT. 826 00:25:51,285 --> 00:25:51,916 THERE IS NO QUESTION WE HAVE TO 827 00:25:51,919 --> 00:25:53,751 GET IT RIGHT. 828 00:25:53,754 --> 00:25:55,153 >> ARE THERE CHANGES YOU SEE AS 829 00:25:55,156 --> 00:25:56,287 SNAG COULD BE DONE IMMEDIATELY 830 00:25:56,290 --> 00:25:57,155 MAYBE WE'RE NOT CURRENTLY DOING 831 00:25:57,158 --> 00:26:00,725 AS A STATE? 832 00:26:00,728 --> 00:26:04,295 >> DCS DOESN'T HAVE RIGHT NOW 833 00:26:04,298 --> 00:26:05,697 SORT OF A UNIFORM THAT IS 834 00:26:05,700 --> 00:26:09,033 PUBLICIZED CRITERIA ON HOW THEY 835 00:26:09,036 --> 00:26:10,735 ARE WORKING THROUGH CASES. 836 00:26:10,738 --> 00:26:12,770 EACH ONE OF MY UNDERSTANDING IS 837 00:26:12,773 --> 00:26:14,806 THAT EACH ONE OF THE FIELD 838 00:26:14,809 --> 00:26:16,341 OFFICES HAS SOMETHING IN PLACE, 839 00:26:16,344 --> 00:26:17,809 BUT IT'S NOT UNIFORM ACROSS THE 840 00:26:17,812 --> 00:26:19,844 SYSTEM AND IT'S NOT SOMETHING 841 00:26:19,847 --> 00:26:21,045 THAT PEOPLE CAN POINT TO TO 842 00:26:21,048 --> 00:26:22,380 EVALUATE JUDGMENTS, THAT CREATES 843 00:26:22,383 --> 00:26:23,147 A LOT OF CONFUSION. 844 00:26:23,150 --> 00:26:25,983 THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM. 845 00:26:25,986 --> 00:26:27,585 SO ONE OF THE MEASURES SPONSORED 846 00:26:27,588 --> 00:26:30,555 BY REPRESENTATIVE TOWNSEND IS TO 847 00:26:30,558 --> 00:26:32,056 SAY OKAY, YOU HAVE TO ADOPT AND 848 00:26:32,059 --> 00:26:33,291 PUBLISH A UNIFORM SET OF 849 00:26:33,294 --> 00:26:35,660 CRITERIA THAT'S GOING TO APPLY 850 00:26:35,663 --> 00:26:36,894 TO ALL OF THE OFFICES ABOUT HOW 851 00:26:36,897 --> 00:26:40,498 YOU'RE MAKING DECISIONS AS TO 852 00:26:40,501 --> 00:26:40,932 WHETHER TO REMOVE OR NOT REMOVE 853 00:26:40,935 --> 00:26:42,533 CHILDREN. 854 00:26:42,536 --> 00:26:43,534 OBVIOUSLY THERE'S GOING TO BE 855 00:26:43,537 --> 00:26:44,836 DECISIONS THAT ARE GOING TO VARY 856 00:26:44,839 --> 00:26:45,937 FROM THAT. 857 00:26:45,940 --> 00:26:46,471 YOU CAN'T BASE EVERYTHING ON A 858 00:26:46,474 --> 00:26:48,206 CHECK LIST. 859 00:26:48,209 --> 00:26:50,108 THAT WOULDN'T BE IN THE BEST 860 00:26:50,111 --> 00:26:51,642 INTEREST OF THE KIDS BUT IT 861 00:26:51,645 --> 00:26:52,744 GIVES YOU A METRICS TO SAY IF 862 00:26:52,747 --> 00:26:54,145 YOU ARE GOING TO DIFFER THEN 863 00:26:54,148 --> 00:26:56,347 WHAT IS THE REASONING FOR THAT. 864 00:26:56,350 --> 00:26:57,749 RIGHT NOW THERE'S NOT THAT 865 00:26:57,752 --> 00:26:58,683 REASONING AND IT LEADS TO A LOT 866 00:26:58,686 --> 00:27:00,451 OF CONFUSION. 867 00:27:00,454 --> 00:27:02,320 >> WHAT IS MOST BOTHERSOME ABOUT 868 00:27:02,323 --> 00:27:04,789 WHAT'S HAPPENED IN THIS AGENCY? 869 00:27:04,792 --> 00:27:06,090 >> I THINK WHAT'S MOST 870 00:27:06,093 --> 00:27:07,892 BOTHERSOME IS THAT FRANKLY WE 871 00:27:07,895 --> 00:27:10,561 LET IT GET TO THIS POINT. 872 00:27:10,564 --> 00:27:10,928 THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SYSTEMWIDE 873 00:27:10,931 --> 00:27:12,130 BREAKDOWN. 874 00:27:12,133 --> 00:27:13,531 MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IS 875 00:27:13,534 --> 00:27:17,001 STARTING TO IMPROVE BUT WE STILL 876 00:27:17,004 --> 00:27:17,802 HAVE IN THE AGENCY STILL HAS 877 00:27:17,805 --> 00:27:19,804 TREMENDOUS TURNOVER. 878 00:27:19,807 --> 00:27:20,738 UNTIL THAT PROBLEM GETS SOLVED I 879 00:27:20,741 --> 00:27:22,807 DON'T KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO 880 00:27:22,810 --> 00:27:24,475 MAKE A LOT OF HEADWAY ON THAT 881 00:27:24,478 --> 00:27:26,644 CULTURAL SHIFT THAT NEEDS TO 882 00:27:26,647 --> 00:27:27,979 HAPPEN UNTIL THEY CAN STABILIZE 883 00:27:27,982 --> 00:27:30,748 THE EMPLOYEES AT THE AGENCY. 884 00:27:30,751 --> 00:27:32,250 SO THAT YOU HAVE THAT 885 00:27:32,253 --> 00:27:34,452 INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND 886 00:27:34,455 --> 00:27:35,386 EXPERIENCE AND YOU'RE NOT 887 00:27:35,389 --> 00:27:37,989 RETRAINING EMPLOYEES. 888 00:27:37,992 --> 00:27:38,956 OVER AND OVER AGAIN. 889 00:27:38,959 --> 00:27:41,092 >>> THAT'S OUR PROGRAM. 890 00:27:41,095 --> 00:27:42,360 FOR ALL OF US AT ARIZONA PUBLIC 891 00:27:42,363 --> 00:27:44,095 MEDIA, I'M LORRAINE RIVERA.