The Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety appeared before a state House committee Wednesday as lawmakers develop reforms to the agency following the deaths of three children known to the system last year.

House Government Committee Chair Rep. Walt Blackman opened the meeting by urging members and those testifying to remain respectful.

“There will not be any finger pointing. This is a big ship,” Blackman said. “At the end of the day the goal is simple to ensure Arizona’s children are in a safe environment.”

DCS director presents agency overview

DCS Director Kathryn Ptak addressed the committee, providing an overview of the agency’s 2025 caseload. She said DCS investigated more than 43,000 cases, reunified 3,000 children with their parents and oversaw 1,300 adoptions.

Ptak said group homes are a last resort, but noted there are only 65 foster homes available for children between the ages of 13 and 17. She said a spike in the need for mental health services has created additional challenges for the agency.

“I don’t control behavioral health; I don’t control the behavioral health system, so unless and until we are connecting families with services that allow them to safely keep the child in the home,” Ptak said.

Six bills passed, more work ahead

The committee passed six bills the previous week, including measures to improve conditions for children in DCS-licensed group homes, increase kinship placements and provide independent oversight of the agency.

Rep. John Gilette said no single piece of legislation would resolve the issues facing the department.

“I don’t think any one bill is going to fix anything,” Gilette said.

Blackman said the reform effort will likely continue into the next legislative session.

“We’re talking real reform, real comprehensive work,” he said.

The committee chair urged members to consider enforcement mechanisms for DCS, including how enforcement would be carried out and what consequences should exist. The next committee meeting is scheduled for next week.