Title
Retroactive Authorization to Apply for the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family Arizona Children’s Justice Act Grant Program (Ordinance S-52419) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to allow the Police Department to retroactively apply for, accept, and enter into an agreement with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family for the Arizona Children’s Justice Act Grant Program. The grant amount will not exceed $50,000. No matching funds are required. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
This program aims to reform state systems and improve responses to child abuse and neglect, with a focus on child sexual abuse, exploitation, and maltreatment-related fatalities. It supports efforts to reduce trauma to child victims and strengthen the investigation and prosecution of these cases. Funding will assist in enhancing multidisciplinary coordination, training mandatory reporters, and supporting child and family advocacy centers.
The requested funding will be used to expand the Police Department’s Family Investigations Bureau’s Digital Forensics Lab by acquiring advanced forensic software, providing specialized training, and increasing staffing capacity. These enhancements will support more efficient processing of digital evidence, reduce case backlogs, and improve the quality of forensic analysis in child abuse and exploitation investigations. The Family Investigations Bureau’s Digital Forensics Lab will work in close coordination with investigative units, advocacy centers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a trauma-informed approach that aligns with broader public safety and victim support strategies. This investment is designed to strengthen case outcomes, reduce investigative delays, and enhance the department’s ability to respond effectively to technology-driven crimes against children.
The grant application was due on October 10, 2025. If authorization is denied, the grant application will be rescinded.
Contract Term
The contract term will be for two years from the date of the approved award.
Financial Impact
No matching funds are required.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.