Phoenix-area courts reject request to pause all child welfare cases
Phoenix-area courts reject request to pause all child welfare cases Arizona's Family
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PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) —
The courts in Maricopa County declined a request on Tuesday from Gov. Katie Hobbs to pause all child welfare cases while the state fixes flaws with the Department of Child Safety’s filing system.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
“All dependency matters before the Court are treated as individual cases handled by our judicial officers on an individual basis,” said a spokesman for the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County.
Arizona’s most populous county said any problems involving adoptions and other sensitive legal matters with children will be handled by the judges on a case-by-case basis. The statement comes a day after Hobbs and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes asked the state’s 15 counties to halt hearings and trials involving kids for two weeks.
At issue is a data system installed in 2021 called “Guardian,” which prevented social workers from directly uploading vital records into a child’s case profile, which could have changed the legal outcomes.
The Attorney General’s Office estimates that at least 3,800 cases may have been impacted since Guardian was installed two years ago.
In July, the Arizona Auditor General published a report raising similar questions about the data system. At a news conference Tuesday morning, the governor said they only learned about the latest problem with Guardian sometime last week. And a spokesman for the Governor’s Office also said they are two different issues and that both of the problems are being addressed.
Report Conclusion:
- The courts in Maricopa County have declined Gov. Katie Hobbs’ request to pause all child welfare cases.
- Arizona’s most populous county will handle adoption and other sensitive legal matters with children on a case-by-case basis.
- The data system called “Guardian” has caused issues by preventing social workers from directly uploading vital records into a child’s case profile.
- At least 3,800 cases may have been impacted since the installation of Guardian two years ago.
- The Arizona Auditor General previously raised concerns about the data system in July.
- The Governor’s Office is addressing both the recent problem with Guardian and the previous issues raised by the Auditor General.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the flaws in the Department of Child Safety’s filing system and the potential impact on child welfare cases. This issue is directly related to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Additionally, the well-being of children is a key concern, aligning with SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
The article highlights the need to address flaws in the Department of Child Safety’s filing system, which can impact the legal outcomes of child welfare cases. This aligns with Target 16.3 under SDG 16, which focuses on promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all. Additionally, ensuring the well-being of children is crucial, connecting to Target 3.2 under SDG 3, which aims to prevent deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 16.3: Number of people who have access to legal identity and documentation.
- Indicator for Target 3.2: Under-5 mortality rate.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, to measure progress towards Target 16.3, the number of people who have access to legal identity and documentation can be used as an indicator. This would reflect the extent to which equal access to justice is being achieved. For Target 3.2, the under-5 mortality rate is a commonly used indicator to track progress in reducing child deaths, which relates to ensuring the well-being of children.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | Number of people who have access to legal identity and documentation. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age. | Under-5 mortality rate. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: azfamily.com
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