The Arizona Department of Child Safety is struggling with a revolving door of employees, with only a small percentage working there for more than a few years, creating significant challenges for child protection services.

According to DCS's latest strategic plan, only 15% of employees stay with the department for five years or more. The agency has set a modest goal to increase that retention rate to just 20%.

"In many human service industries, retention is an issue," said DCS Director Kathryn Ptak.

During an exclusive interview with Scripps News, Ptak acknowledged the severity of the staffing crisis.

"Our workforce usually has about 18 months before they leave to find another job," Ptak said. "And so, we have taken some steps to try and correct that, like a step increase, you know, pay

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