2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §41-1291  Joint legislative committee on children and family services

(Rpld. 1/1/09)

A. The joint legislative committee on children and family services is established consisting of the following members who have an interest in and familiarity with issues and programs concerning children and family services:

1. Five members of the senate appointed by the president of the senate, not more than three of whom shall be members of the same political party. The president shall designate one member as cochairperson.

2. Five members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, not more than three of whom shall be members of the same political party. The speaker shall designate one member as cochairperson.

B. The committee shall meet within thirty days of the presentation by a member of the legislature of a written constituent complaint and a written request to review. The committee shall also meet whenever committee members consider it necessary except that the committee shall not meet more than ten times each year unless the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives agree to additional meetings. The committee shall meet at least annually to review child fatalities related to abuse or neglect. If the committee meets pursuant to a legislator's request to review, the legislator who made the request may be present when the committee reviews the case and may receive and review all information presented pertaining to the matter requested to be reviewed. On request of the person who is the subject of an investigation under review, the committee may meet with that person in executive session pursuant to section 38-431.03 and without the presence of any representative of the department of economic security.

C. Six members constitute a quorum.

D. The committee shall:

1. Review reports of child abuse, neglect and dependency and actions taken by the department to protect children.

2. Have access to all child protective services records of the department on request of a chairperson of the committee or a majority vote of the committee.

3. Monitor children and family services and legislative recommendations concerning children and family services.

4. Provide a forum for persons to express their concerns about state programs that relate to children and family services.

5. Make administrative and legislative recommendations concerning children and family services.

6. Work with the ombudsman-citizens aide office to make systemic recommendations to improve the system that delivers services to children and families.

E. The committee has the authority conferred by law on legislative committees.

F. The committee may use the services of legislative staff.