This document provides information on the types of activities supported and the categories or characteristics of individuals served under the provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Public Law 97-35, Subtitle C - Block Grants for Social Services, which amends Title XX of the Social Security Act. The Arizona Department of Economic Security under the statutory provisions of the law administers the Arizona Social Services Block Grant Plan. The program period covered corresponds to the State Fiscal Year, which begins on July 1, and ends June 30. State Fiscal Year overlaps portions of previous Federal Fiscal Year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.

The Arizona Department of Education is pleased to provide you with this state report card as a part of our compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind law. We are working hard to raise academic standards for Arizona students. We are also holding our schools accountable for how well students perform academically. We are restoring classroom discipline, which is an essential component for achieving academic excellence. We also have an extensive state program to help schools whose test scores show a need for improvement. We are working hard to make sure Arizona students and schools are performing to their absolute potential.

While the economic environment in Arizona has gradually improved, vulnerable individuals and families rely on the Department for life-saving protective services and essential economic support. The Department has made important improvements in how we deliver benefits, goods and services to vulnerable individuals and families. The Plan outlines several of these on-going improvement efforts including cost-saving process improvements, expanded community collaborations, enhanced transparency and increased accountability.

The Strategic Plan comprises an ambitious set of goals and objectives. It is a “living” document that will guide our focus and activities. As such, some objectives and expected results will be subject to change as information and events unfold. Objectives and measures aligned to drive achievement have also been developed in Units, Sections, and Divisions throughout the Department.

The Arizona Workforce Connection is a statewide system committed to coordinating a comprehensive approach to workforce development. It incorporates the state’s economic development goals and strategies using federal, state, and local resources. The AWC consists of the Governor’s Council on Workforce Policy, 14 Local Workforce Investment Areas along with their respective Local Workforce Investment Boards, comprehensive One-Stop centers, satellite offices, and an array of workforce partners. This report describes how WIA Title IB services are provided in Arizona, highlights local and state accomplishments, and concludes with performance results.

In 1993, Family Support Legislation was passed that defined a family support program for people with developmental disabilities and their families, subject to funding appropriations. This legislation was a result of collaboration with families, advocacy organizations, providers of services, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities in recognition of the significance of family support as a national initiative. While there is no appropriated funding for a family support program in Arizona, the Division integrates the philosophy of the legislation into its activities as indicated in its Credo and Values. This Annual Report highlights initiatives and systems successfully implemented, and describes the ways in which individuals and families are supported through the Division and its many collaborators.

Report of Arizona’s economic security needs and resources; the use, training, and placement of manpower; and recommendations for the forthcoming fiscal year for the state’s development of relevant programs. Also included in the report is a status report and an evaluation of the children and family services training program. This report provides an overview of the Department’s achievements in meeting the needs of Arizonans and highlights the Department’s actions to enhance the safety and self-sufficiency of vulnerable individuals in our state by streamlining both service delivery and administrative functions. The Department is committed to continue to build on its successes and to achieve our mission to promote the safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Arizona’s children, adults, and families.

Our Plan includes ambitious, innovative goals and objectives focused on developing great schools, excellent teachers, and successful students. We believe that implementing this Plan in partnership with education, business and community stakeholders will help us achieve our mission: To serve Arizona’s education community, ensuring every student has access to an excellent education.