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Frequently Asked Questions

Legal

How can I get court dates?

Your DCS caseworker can give you upcoming court information. If your case is in Maricopa County, you can call the DCS Warm Line at 1-877-543-7633 and select option 3.

Where are the courts located at?

You can find a list of courts here: https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Courts/AZ-Courts-Locator

Do different rules and time frames apply for younger children?

If the parents have not made efforts towards reunification, the state may file for termination of parental rights earlier if children under 3 years of age have been in care for 6 months.

As a foster parent, do I have a right to attend court proceedings?

Yes. Rule 41 (I) of the Arizona Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Court gives you that right to notice, to attend, and to be heard in a court proceeding.

What is adoption?

Adoption is the legal transfer of all parenting rights and responsibilities from the biological parent to a new parent. The biological parent's parental rights have been severed and the adoptive parents have all the rights of birth parents.

What is the difference between adoption and guardianship?

Adopted parents become the legal parents and the biological parents parental rights are terminated. A guardianship does not sever the parental rights of the biological parents.

Where are FCRB meetings held?

Visit this website to learn more: https://www.azcourts.gov/fcrb/Adult-Participation/County-Locations

What is a case plan?

The Department shall facilitate the development of an individualized, family-centered, written case plan for every child, youth, and family receiving ongoing services from the Department.

The case plan identifies the permanency goal and target date, desired outcomes, tasks, time frames, and responsible parties. You can find more information by visiting the DCS Policy Manual here.

What is a Safety Plan?

A Safety Plan is a written arrangement between the parent, guardian, and/or custodian; the responsible adult(s) who will take action to control danger threats; and the Department. The Safety Plan establishes how impending danger threats to child safety will be controlled. The Safety Plan describes safety actions that must be taken in order to control anticipated danger and prevent harm to the child. You can find more information by visiting the DCS Policy Manual website here.

What is the difference between a GAL and a lawyer?

Gaurdian ad litums work in the best interest of the children. You can find informatio about GAL and other roles in the courts system here: https://dcs.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/CSO-2143-gotoguide_Section8.pdf

What are my rights as a foster parent?

You can find foster parents' rights here: https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/8/00530.htm

What are a foster child's rights?

You can find foster children's rights here: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/8/00529.htm

What is mandated reporting and am I a mandated reporter?

Mandated reporters are defined in Arizona statute. You can find the applicable law here: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03620.htm

Who should I call to report suspected maltreatment?

You call the DCS Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD or 1-888-767-2445

When should I make a report?

DCS encourages you to make a report any time you reasonably suspect a child has been abused or neglected.

Arizona Department of Child Safety

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