(The Center Square)— The Arizona Department of Child Safety is under scrutiny for allegedly giving unfair treatment to parents and children with disabilities.
An investigation from the United States Department of Justice alleges that the department did not give proper assistance to those with “hearing disabilities” and flagged disabilities of parents as a potential safety hazard even if the problem’s presented had an simple fix, such as parents with “vision disabilities.”
“Parents and children with disabilities deserve to be treated with dignity,” U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona said in a statement.
“Our office will continue to work with the Civil Rights Division to guarantee that parents and children with disabilities are protected under the law, and to ensure that the Department of Child Safety more meaningfully accommodates disabilities in the pursuit of better outcomes for families,” he added.
The DOJ went further to say ADCS often resorted to stereotyping parents based on certain disabilities, and it led to a hindered ability to “reunify” with children and other issues, including making the process harder on parents with autism or ADHD.
DOJ says the department broke the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The report prompted calls to make reforms at the department during the upcoming legislative session.
“I look forward to working with the incoming Chair of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, Sen-Elect [Carine Werner], on this issue and many others. We must fix DCS,” Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, tweeted.
DCS said in a statement in response to the findings that they are “committed to working compassionately with all families, including children and families with disabilities,” noting that the investigation was five years long.
“The Department is reviewing those findings and will work with the DOJ to remedy any alleged violations of law. In August 2023, the Department hired a dedicated ADA/LEP Coordinator to ensure the rights of families interacting with the Department are protected. If you believe your rights have been violated in the course of your DCS case, you can contact the DCS Office of the Ombudsman at ombudsman@azdcs.gov or 602-364-0777 or 1-877-527-0765.”
The DOJ is also asking those negatively impacted to file a report as well.