Join In-Person Briefing on Arizona's Use of Congregate Care

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One in five foster youth in Arizona (19.4%) live in group homes, residential treatment facilities, or Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs)—approximately double the national average (11%). When it comes to Arizona's youngest children in foster care, those under 12, national data shows that Arizona places them in congregate care at a rate higher than any other state (based on 2022 data).

Arizona's foster care agency, the Department of Child Safety (DCS) is taking steps to address the share of children being place in congregate care, including recently increasing the reimbursement rate to foster families for youth ages six and up to incentivize placement of children in family-like settings. However, a lack of effective action over many years requires examination and solutions. Join Children's Action Alliance for this in-person briefing on the data and insights as we seek positive outcomes for children in Arizona. Registration is required due to limited seating.

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State Legislation You Can Weigh in On This Week

HB 2239 is on the House Government Committee agenda tomorrow, February 18. Thanks to Representative Blackman for sponsoring this bill to create the Child Care Infrastructure Grant Fund. This bill would provide targeted support to expand child care facilities, especially in rural and underserved communities.

SB1602 is on this week's Senate Health and Human Services agenda. Thanks to Senator Alston for sponsoring this bill to increase the financial stipend for kinship caregivers.

SB1603 is on this week's Senate Health and Human Services agenda. Thanks to Senator Alston for sponsoring this bill to restore federal financial assistance for children who are cared for by kinship caregivers, with a court order in place, outside of the foster care system

HB2206 and SB1333 are moving through the House and Senate. These bills add new obstacles to providing SNAP to Arizonans when they need food assistance. The Arizona Department of Economic Security is already preparing to administer costly federal measures passed in H.R. 1, formally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill.

SB1194 set for Wednesday at 9 am in Senate Health, prevents physician offices from declining to accept patients who do not want to vaccinate.

HCR2056 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a fundamental right for individuals to refuse medical mandates, including vaccines required by child care centers, hospitals and other private employers. If passed by the legislature, the measure would be a ballot initiative in November.

Look up legislation here: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview and don't forget to write to legislators or sign in through the Request to Speak system to make your voice heard.

Yesterday was Early Childhood Day at the Capitol and it was a powerful reminder of what happens when communities come together to advocate for our youngest children. More than 500 parents, child care providers, early educators, advocates, and young children from across Arizona came to the Capitol to make their voices heard, including CAA's Changemakers parent leaders. Thank you to everyone who showed up, met with their legislators, and helped make Early Childhood Day a powerful success!