April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is reminding the community that everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect.
"Protecting children is a shared responsibility," said Kathryn Ptak, DCS Director. "Whether you are a parent, neighbor, teacher, or friend, there are...
Today Governor Hobbs released her FY2026 Executive Budget, which funds programs critical to the Department of Child Safety.
DCS initiatives funded in the budget proposal include:
It takes a variety of life skills to succeed as an adult.
That is why the Arizona Department of Child Safety created a program to teach youth in care about the ins-and-outs of driving and car ownership.
The Youth Driver Education Program is designed to offer youth a comprehensive learning opportunity before they venture out on their own...
PHOENIX, AZ (October 31, 2024)
Desert Financial Credit Union achieved a milestone of giving back, as nearly 1,200 volunteers from the organization came together last week to assemble bicycles for children in the care of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). These volunteers know that these bikes can bring some hope and joy during a time of year that can be difficult for...
PHOENIX, AZ (September 10, 2024)
As the holiday season approaches, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is proud to announce the launch of its annual Giving Tree Program. This initiative seeks to bring joy and comfort to the thousands of children and young adults in foster care, reminding them that they are not alone during this special time of year.
The...
The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) recently partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service in an operation that safely recovered 49 missing Arizona children.
The operation, conducted over several weeks, involved extensive coordination and resource sharing among DCS, the U.S. Marshals Service, and law enforcement agencies. During the operation,...
Phoenix, AZ (May, 2024)-
May is National Foster Care Month.
"During this month, we honor the selfless dedication of kinship and foster parents who open their hearts and homes to children in need,” said David Lujan, DCS Chief Cabinet Officer. “Your compassion, and unwavering support create a brighter future for every child you care for. We thank you for being beacons of...
The Arizona Department of Child Safety is grateful that two children, who were kidnapped by their parents and taken to Mexico in 2018, have been safely returned to Arizona.
The children's abduction occurred after their parents assaulted a case aide in 2018 and fled to Mexico, evading authorities for years. However, after relentless pursuit and...
Phoenix, AZ (April 5, 2024)
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Entering foster care is traumatic for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
To mitigate their trauma, the Arizona Department of Child Safety prioritizes placing children with a close relative or family friend.
But absorbing the demands and unexpected costs of caring for a relative’s child can be daunting.
That is why DCS...
