Senator Wendy Rogers is proud to sponsor SB 1149, a bill targeted at reforming the Department of Child Safety’s review process.
Arizona families have raised serious concerns for years about children being left in the system too long, court hearings that lack clear information, and decisions made without full transparency. SB 1149 responds by strengthening how courts review these cases and by requiring DCS to fully explain its actions.
Under the bill, DCS must provide a written report before every review hearing that explains the child’s placement, education, services, and progress toward a permanent outcome. Judges and families will no longer have to guess whether progress is being made or whether the state is doing its job.
SB 1149 also makes sure court decisions are clearly documented. Judges must state whether a child remains dependent and, if so, what steps must happen next. Parents are warned clearly and early about the consequences of not participating in the process, which helps prevent surprises and delays later on.
The bill would prevent children from being left in legal limbo. Every review hearing should move the case closer to a safe and permanent home, whether that means reunification or another long-term solution.