ADHS: Division of Public Health Services: Bureau of Women's and Children's Health: Citizen Review Panel

Bureau of Women's and Children's Health

Citizen Review Panel

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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 lisa.moen@asu.edu or by mail to:

Arizona Citizen Review Panel Program
3404 West Cheryl Drive, Suite A-250
Phoenix, AZ 85051

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?
Lisa Moen, Program Coordinator
Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy
College of Public Programs
Arizona State University
3404 West Cheryl Drive, Suite A-250
Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone: (602) 942-2247 ext. 141
Fax: (602) 942-0779
http://www.cabhp.asu.edu/

Click here to download the Arizona Citizen Review Panel Program brochure.