When the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) gets involved in your family, you may suddenly find yourself facing Juvenile Dependency Court—a system many parents have never heard of until they’re in it.
Understanding how dependency court works is the first step in protecting your rights and your family.
What Is Juvenile Dependency Court?
Juvenile Dependency Court is a special branch of family court that handles cases where the state believes a child is abused, neglected, or abandoned, and therefore dependent on the court for protection. If DCS believes a child’s current home is unsafe, they can:
What If the Birth Parent Doesn’t Consent?
- Remove the child from the home
- File a dependency petition with the court
- Recommend services to either reunify the family or pursue an alternative plan (e.g., guardianship or adoption)
The goal is to ensure that children are safe and that parents receive support to correct the conditions that led to court involvement.
When Does a Dependency Case Start in Arizona?
A dependency case typically begins after:
- A report is made to the Child Abuse Hotline
- A DCS investigation determines that the child is at risk
- A dependency petition is filed in Juvenile Court
If DCS removes your child, a Preliminary Protective Hearing must be held within 5 to 7 days. At this hearing, the court decides whether the removal was justified and if the child should stay in out-of-home care.
Types of Dependency Cases
- Emergency removals due to immediate danger
- Voluntary dependency (rare, but may occur if a parent is temporarily unable to care for a child)
- In-home dependency where the child remains with the parent under court supervision
What Are the Stakes?
Dependency court can lead to:
- Reunification, if the parent complies with services
- Long-term foster care or guardianship
- Termination of parental rights (TPR) and adoption
Because of the legal and emotional impact, parents should immediately consult a dependency-experienced family law attorney to understand options, rights, and timelines.
