DOJ wraps up 5-year investigation into Arizona’s child welfare agency

A nearly five-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded Arizona’s child welfare agency has repeatedly violated the civil rights of children and parents with disabilities.

In releasing its findings last month, the DOJ gave the Department of Child Safety two weeks to agree to a plan to work on solutions, such as revising policies and training employees on how to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It also wants the agency to pay damages to parents and caregivers.

Mary Jo Pitzl, a reporter for “The Arizona Republic” and azcentral.com, joined “Arizona Horizon” to provide context and details on the report.