Stein et al vs. Depke et al

Case Background

On March 11, 2020, Plaintiff Justin Stein, Jacqueline Stein, Debra L Greene, Grace E Reid, and Kelly S Graft filed a Child Welfare lawsuit in the Arizona State, District Court of Tucson Division (Case number: 4:20cv102). Judge John C Hinderaker presided over the case.

Cause

The plaintiffs—Justin and Jacqueline Stein, Debra Greene, and Grace Reid—experienced traumatic incidents involving the wrongful removal of their children by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (AZDCS). These events revealed systemic failures and alleged misconduct within the agency.

Justin and Jacqueline Stein's Case:

Background: The Steins are parents of C.O.S., a child born on October 18, 2010, diagnosed with autism. C.O.S. exhibited aggressive, non-verbal behaviors. Despite their efforts to provide a supportive environment, the situation escalated in October 2019 when C.O.S. attacked his father while driving. Concerned for their family's safety, the Steins sought immediate psychiatric help for their son. AZDCS Involvement: The Steins contacted the Crisis Response Center (CRC) after failing to reach their regular support coordinators. CRC advised them to seek help from AZDCS. After calling the AZDCS hotline, DCS Specialist Alyssa Depke visited them. Depke insisted AZDCS could only intervene if the Steins admitted to neglecting their child. Jacqueline Stein expressed her reluctance to have C.O.S. removed under these terms. Depke, along with Supervisor Lyssa Fregoso, handed them a Temporary Custody Notice. Although the Steins qualified for a Voluntary Safety Plan (VSP) under A.R.S. §8-806, AZDCS concealed this option and wrongfully removed C.O.S.

Debra Greene's Case:

Background: Debra Greene adopted K.C.G. and his two siblings in 2018. The children had a history of severe trauma, including sexual abuse by their biological parents. Despite Greene's best efforts, K.C.G. began exhibiting dangerous behaviors, especially toward his siblings. Greene sought help after a CRC visit recommended urgent psychosexual and psychiatric evaluations for K.C.G. AZDCS Involvement: AZDCS investigators Gerardo Fernandez and Amanda Downing arrived at Greene’s home and were hostile. Greene requested voluntary placement to secure necessary evaluations for K.C.G., but the investigators dismissed her concerns. They accused her of neglect and forcibl