After the Hacienda Healthcare rape, Arizona built a group home watchdog. Now it’s being defunded.

Following a shocking incident in 2018 where a developmentally disabled woman was raped at Hacienda Healthcare, Arizona established an independent oversight program to safeguard vulnerable residents in group homes. Unfortunately, this critical watchdog is now facing defunding in the state’s latest bipartisan budget, potentially undermining the protection intended for the most vulnerable. The defunding highlights the ongoing challenges in securing long-term funding for essential oversight programs, raising concerns about the commitment to safeguarding those who can't advocate for themselves.