We are an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted by the people to advance and protect the rule of law. We maintain jurisdiction over all children under the age of eighteen and their families who are referred to us for the fair and just resolution of disputes. Therefore, in accordance with the due process of law, our mission is to promote and facilitate community safety through:
• The protection of abused and neglected children through the provision and oversight of services to children and families involved with the court.
• The restoration of victims, families, and the community.
• The reduction of delinquent behavior by holding juveniles accountable through a continuum of prevention, rehabilitation, and transition programs.

Afterschool youth-development programs (AYDs) have grown significantly during the past 15 years in Arizona and nationally. Many providers have moved beyond simply providing a safe haven to actively promoting young people’s development. However, there is still tremendous opportunity for growth. There is also a continuing need to enhance coordination and collaboration among programs in order to extend their resources and heighten their impact.

Morrison Institute worked with AzCASE and VSUW to construct a 55-question survey using Qualtrics on-line software. While the term “afterschool” was used, the survey was designed to measure all types of out-of-school programs, regardless of whether they operate before or after school, on weekends, or during school and summer breaks. Approximately 1,800 questionnaires were distributed to individual program sites in Maricopa and Pima counties via a list provided by AzCASE. Though the survey did not utilize a random sample, its 38 percent response rate (681 returns) suggests that its findings can help educators, youth-development professionals, policymakers and the business community understand the scope, characteristics and needs of afterschool services in Arizona’s two largest population centers.