PHOENIX, Ariz. – Amid financial strains and recent acts of violence, officials from the Arizona Department of Child Safety are urging state lawmakers to increase agency funding to enhance worker safety. This plea comes after a significant budget reduction forced cuts to essential services, notably in security.
Earlier this year, the agency faced a budget cut of approximately 3.5 to 4 percent. This reduction compelled the department to eliminate assigned security personnel across all its facilities, an omission that has sparked considerable concern among staff members.
Deputy Director David Lujan emphasized the dual objectives of the department: safeguarding children and maintaining family unity, both of which require adequate resources to achieve effectively. “I hope the legislature this year will understand the difficult job that we’re doing,” Lujan said, stressing the importance of both protective and preventive measures within the agency.
The urgency of Lujan’s request was underscored by a distressing incident involving a DCS worker who was violently assaulted at the agency’s Mesa office. The employee was attacked by 32-year-old De’Andre Johnson, who has since been charged with attempted murder. According to authorities, Johnson choked the caseworker for several minutes and later threw him to the ground. This assault was captured on camera and has since caused widespread trauma among DCS staff.
Additionally, the incident raises questions about the adequacy of current safety protocols. Lujan described the assault as a “horrific example” of the unpredictable challenges DCS workers face. Court documents revealed that Johnson had previously threatened the victim, indicating potential signs of impending violence that might have been addressed more effectively.
In the wake of the attack, Lujan disclosed that although a security guard was present in the building, the guard was unable to intervene during the assault. He acknowledged the need for reviewing and possibly revising the safety protocols, including how employees are paired during appointments and the conditions under which law enforcement is contacted.
To address these concerns, Lujan mentioned that DCS has introduced an alert system enabling caseworkers to notify local law enforcement about any threats. Moreover, he discussed the potential for additional de-escalation training and stronger collaboration with police to enhance response times and support during field visits.
Lujan’s call for increased funding and support highlights a critical moment for the Arizona Department of Child Safety, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of its workers, who play a vital role in protecting the state’s most vulnerable children. The call to action reflects an urgent plea to lawmakers to prioritize and address the safety and operational challenges facing the agency.