A special government committee hearing led by Chairman Walt Blackman and Vice Chairman Lisa Fink will focus on oversight and reform of Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS). The session will include testimony and discussion on kinship placement, standards in group settings, DCS responses to credible abuse and neglect reports, independent oversight, and related legal authorities.
“Arizona’s child safety system exists for one reason: to protect children,” said Chairman Walt Blackman. “When the state takes custody, there is no room for excuses. This hearing is about accountability and enforceable change. We will put facts on the record, press for answers, and advance reforms that put child safety ahead of bureaucracy.”
Vice Chairman Lisa Fink added: “Families and taxpayers deserve a child welfare agency that acts with urgency, follows the law, and does the basics right every time. This committee is taking a hard look at how DCS responds, how placements are chosen and supervised, and why preventable failures keep reoccurring. We are advancing reforms that strengthen kinship care, raise standards in group settings, and require action when credible abuse is reported.”
The committee will consider several proposed bills:
– HB 2035 (Fink) aims to expand eligibility for kinship placement, ensure timely identification of relatives or significant connections, provide notice requirements, and increase transparency when such placements are denied.
– HB 2041 (Fink) seeks to clarify that a parent’s inability to provide basic necessities due only to financial hardship should not be considered neglect.
– HB 2611 (Blackman) would introduce stricter safety requirements for congregate care facilities through enhanced employee screening, training standards, youth protections, and continuity of care measures.
– HB 2860 (Blackman) proposes an independent oversight committee tasked with reviewing DCS performance as well as critical incidents; it would have reporting obligations and dedicated funding.
– HB 4004 (Keshel) requires DCS to respond to credible abuse or neglect allegations without dismissing cases where an accused parent has parenting time or legal authority.
– HB 4049 (Fink) would allow DCS to employ outside legal counsel beyond the Attorney General’s office.
The hearing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., or after floor recess or adjournment in House Hearing Room 5. Public attendance is permitted both in person or online via live stream at https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?clientID=6361162879&eventID=2026021117.
Representative Walt Blackman serves Legislative District 7 as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 following Michelle Udall’s term.
