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What is the.... Citizen Review Panel

In 1996, the U. S. Congress amended the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requiring states to establish Citizen Review Panels. The federal statute requires that Citizen Review Panels evaluate the extent to which the state and local agencies are effectively discharging their child protection responsibilities. Arizona Citizen Review Panels, located in Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai counties, provide statewide review of Child Protective Services. Panels review Child Protective Services cases, data reports, policies, and procedures. Through these reviews, the Citizen Review Panel prepares an annual report that contains information on review findings and recommendations for changes to Child Protective Services policies and procedures. This report is published by December 31st of each year.

Why is this program needed?

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act requires each state establish and maintain citizen review panels as a condition of funding. The purpose of these panels is to provide opportunities for citizens to play an integral role in ensuring that states are meeting their goals of protecting children from abuse and neglect. 

What are the goals of this program?

Protection of children is not solely the responsibility of a single agency. Individuals and organizations in each community must work together to strengthen families and keep children safe. The goal of the program is to improve the safety and well being of Arizona children and their families through involvement of the public in the assessment of the child protection system in Arizona and development of recommendations for improvement. 

What has this program achieved?

The most significant accomplishment of the Citizen Review Panel Program is the successful inclusion of the public in oversight of Child Protective Services. Volunteer members of the panels bring an array of perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the state’s efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect. Since the Citizen Review Panel was established in 1999, the program has conducted in-depth reviews of Child Protective Service cases, policies, procedures, and other pertinent data. Through reviews, panel members determine agency compliance with the CAPTA State Plan. Panels also develop recommendations to improve processes and outcomes of Child Protective Service involvement with families. These recommendations have contributed to policy, procedural, and legislative changes.


How can I provide comments on Arizona's Child Protective Services?

The Citizen Review Panel welcomes public comment on Arizona’s Child Protective Services. Comments assist the panels in assessment of the impact of current procedures and practices upon children and families in the community. Comments may be made by email to smithja@azdhs.gov or by mail to Citizen Review Panel, 150 N. 18th Avenue Suite 320, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Any questions or concerns requiring intervention on a specific case should be referred to: 

- Arizona Ombudsman’s/Citizen Aide Office at 1-800-872-2879 or through email to:  ombuds@azoca.org, or
- The DES Family Advocacy Office at 1-877-527-0765.


Need More Information?

Jamie Smith, Program Manager 
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 364-1463
Fax:    (602) 364-1496
Email:  smithja@azdhs.gov 


Website Links:
www.acf.dhhs.gov Administration for Children and Families
www.cwla.org Child Welfare League of America
http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov National Clearinghouse for Child Abuse and Neglect Information


Publications:

Publications listed are "PDF" files and require Acrobat Reader™ for viewing.
 
AZ Citizen Review Panel Reports
 9th Annual Report on 2007 (12/31/07) [PDF 272K]
 8th Annual Report on 2006 (12/31/06) [PDF 216K]
 7th Annual Report on 2005 (12/31/05) [PDF 305K]
 6th Annual Report on 2004 (12/31/04) [PDF 196K]
 5th Annual Report on 2003 (12/31/03) [PDF 107K]
 4th Annual Report on 2002 (12/31/02) [PDF 41K]
 3rd Annual Report on 2001 (12/31/01) [PDF 47K]