CLICK to Report Child Abuse or Neglect
📞DCS Directory

Read our website in:

News Releases

August 20, 2019 - DCS is first in the nation to complete federal review

Phoenix (August 20, 2019)-

The Arizona Department of Child Safety is the first child welfare agency in the nation to complete its federally mandated review process.

Read more...view

August 8, 2019 - Statement from DCS on Arizona Republic article

DCS is committed to protecting Arizona’s children and pursuing permanency on their behalf. That commitment includes providing services to parents, family members, guardians or custodians in an attempt to strengthen the family pursuant to Arizona law. While providing those services and pursuing safety for children, Arizona law dictates that certain information remain confidential in order to protect the identity of children in our care. DCS confidentiality policies reflect state statutes and are intended to guide our employees whenever they work with families or handle confidential information.

Read more...view

August 6, 2019 - Governor Ducey Announces Appointment Of Mike Faust As Next Department of Child Safety Director

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced the appointment of Mike Faust as the new Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Faust replaces Director Greg McKay, who will depart his position as director of the agency on August 30th to begin as Chief Operating Officer for Childhelp USA.

“There is no greater responsibility of government than to protect public safety and that’s especially important when it comes to caring for and protecting vulnerable children. Mike Faust has spent the last four years as an instrumental figure in the positive transformation of the Arizona Department of Child Safety,” said Governor Ducey. “His passion and deep understanding of this important responsibility has led to better outcomes for thousands of vulnerable children including the elimination of the inactive case backlog and an overall reduction of children in out-of-home care. I’m grateful for Mike’s willingness to lead this agency, and further our progress in caring for Arizona’s kids.”

Read more...view

July 30, 2019 - DCS moves to strengthen foster family relationships

Phoenix (July 30, 2019)-

In the past, DCS foster licensing contracts focused on the minutiae of foster licensing and regulations.

However, the needs of Arizona’s children in care and foster families are constantly evolving, which means the Department must also evolve.

Read more...view

June 11, 2019 - Announcing The NEW Children’s Heart Gallery!

The Arizona Children’s Heart Gallery was created with one goal in mind, to heighten the visibility of children in foster care awaiting families.

Today, we are proud to share with you the Arizona Department of Child Safety's new and improved Children’s Heart Gallery website.

Read more...view

May 6, 2019 - Community pitches in for kids in foster care

Phoenix (May 6, 2019)-

Everyone can lend a hand when it comes to helping children in foster care.

Last month, three separate events demonstrated how the community supports Arizona’s most vulnerable children.

Nurse celebrates 30th birthday by performing 30 acts of kindness

Jacque Weech is a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“I’ve always felt a strong draw and love for foster children that only grew exponentially when I became a pediatric nurse eight years ago,” Weech said.

For her 30th birthday this year, she ...

Read more...view

May 3, 2019 - AZ foster families receive free state park passes

Phoenix (May 3, 2019)-

Foster families will soon have free access to explore Arizona’s state parks thanks to a new partnership between the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and Arizona State Parks and Trails.

“Offering free admission to foster families is just a small way to recognize them for the loving care they provide...

Read more...view

April 11, 2019 - Tips on how you can help prevent child abuse

Phoenix (April 11, 2019) -

All of us can play a role in preventing child abuse.

With Governor Doug Ducey proclaiming April Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Child Safety would like to offer some tips on how you can help prevent child abuse.

Lend a hand to a relative or friend: Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. But at times, it can be extremely stressful. If you see a friend or relative struggling with the stress, offer to watch their children so they can take a break.

Read more...view

March 26, 2019 - Statement from DCS Director Gregory McKay on the Machelle Hobson case

Evil is among us. Moreover, it is most often undetected until something horrible, and formerly concealed, is revealed. I know this as a former homicide detective, as the current Department of Child Safety (DCS) Director, and as a human being. It is natural for compassionate people to become angered and emotional upon hearing such revelations. It is also common for those emotions and the resultant ire to be directed towards the child protection agency. I said it is common, not that it is acceptable.

Read more...view

March 20, 2019 - Statement regarding recent case involving 7 children in the city of Maricopa

The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) can confirm that we removed the children from the home of Machelle Hackney on March 14, 2019.

While we cannot comment or release information on specific aspects of this case due to confidentiality laws, we can comment in general on how DCS licenses its foster placements.

The Department requires all potential foster placements undergo a thorough vetting process before acquiring a license.

Read more...view