A new audit revealing widespread failures at Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS) has become the focus of Republican gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson's criticism of Governor Katie Hobbs' administration, as Robson positions herself as a leader capable of addressing the crisis.
"New audit finds MASSIVE failures at Katie Hobbs' Department of Child Safety," she shared on social media. "Children not being protected. 51% of investigations take too long. Prior recommendations IGNORED.”
The audit found that over half of child abuse and neglect investigations are exceeding established time limits, and that previous recommendations for improvement have been ignored by the agency responsible for protecting Arizona's most vulnerable children.
“Our DCS is in a state of FAILURE, and Hobbs isn't doing anything about it. Arizona's kids deserve better,” Robson expressed.
Investigation
The audit's findings align with ongoing concerns about DCS operations. An ABC15 investigation received dozens of tips from current and former workers, who described how chronic turnover undermines their ability to manage cases and keep children safe.
According to DCS's own strategic plan, only 15% of employees stay with the department for five years or more, a rate the agency hopes to increase to just 20%.
The consequences of this instability have been devastating.
In the case of Rebekah Baptiste, whose father and partner face murder charges, police records show the family had been assigned at least five different DCS caseworkers or case managers, illustrating how turnover can leave vulnerable children in fatal situations.
Endorsement
As Robson highlights these failures, she announced an endorsement from Major General Don McGregor, a retired Air Force officer who served as Director of Strategy, Policy, Plans, and International Affairs at the National Guard Bureau.
"In my decades of military and strategic service, I've seen what true leadership looks like," McGregor said in his endorsement. "Karrin Taylor Robson leads with clarity, integrity, and purpose. She is a leader who does not flinch under pressure and will deliver for Arizona."
McGregor's emphasis on leadership under pressure reinforces Robson's central campaign message: that Arizona needs stronger management to fix failing systems.
The DCS crisis is expected to be a central issue in the gubernatorial race as both candidates outline their visions for reforming Arizona's troubled child welfare system.
