PHOENIX, Ariz. — Following a brutal attack that was live-streamed, Arizona’s Child Safety Department (DCS) is under scrutiny, with leadership pledging to overhaul safety measures. The incident, further amplified by a recent budget cut, has ignited debate over the adequacy of funding and management within the agency.
David Lujan, Deputy Director of DCS, has responded to the violent event by advising caseworkers to conduct fieldwork in pairs as a safety precaution. However, an overtime policy implemented in June, requiring high-level authorization for any employee exceeding 20 hours of overtime in a pay period, has made paired assignments difficult to manage. While the policy was intended to control costs, criticism from staff suggests it may have inadvertently placed workers at risk.
Subsequently, the department announced a revision of the overtime policy, allowing more flexibility for staff needing to work additional hours in the field. “We have recognized that certain restrictions might have hindered our employees’ ability to partner up during field assignments. We’re adjusting these guidelines to prioritize their safety,” Lujan explained.
The issue of safety was thrust into the spotlight when, in 2024, the Arizona legislature reduced DCS’s budget by approximately 3-4%. This decision led to heated discussions among state lawmakers about the potential impact on worker security. While Democratic leaders argue that the cuts have directly compromised the safety of caseworkers by forcing the department to sever ties with several security service providers, Republican representatives refute this claim, pointing instead to what they describe as ineffective management at DCS.
Minority Leader Misty Epstein criticized the budget reductions, linking them to inadequate security measures for DCS employees. She highlighted the need for a reevaluation of priorities in the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing the provision of necessary resources for the safety and effectiveness of child safety services.
In the wake of the assault, the Governor’s office issued a statement criticizing the focus of some Republican legislators on school voucher programs over the essential funding of public safety and child welfare services. This critique points to broader political disputes over state budget allocations and their impact on public services.
The assault that prompted these discussions involved DCS worker De’andre Johnson, who is currently recovering from the incident. The assailant was charged by a grand jury with attempted murder and aggravated assault, underscoring the severity of the attack.
Aside from policy changes, DCS has initiated several security measures to prevent future incidents. These include risk assessments, the provision of a security app for field workers, partnerships with local law enforcement, and training for staff on handling potentially dangerous situations.
Former DCS Director Matthew Stewart suggests that rebuilding trust within the department is vital. According to Stewart, acknowledging past security lapses and actively listening to employees’ concerns are crucial steps toward enhancing workplace safety.
These developments come at a time when the department’s capacity to protect its workers and serve vulnerable families is under increasing pressure, highlighting the challenges faced by child welfare agencies in balancing budget constraints with operational and safety needs. As the debate continues, the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its child safety workers remains in sharp focus, with implications for both the welfare of its employees and the families they serve.