Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Visit this website to learn more: https://www.azcourts.gov/fcrb/Adult-Participation/County-Locations (link is external)

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 (link is external).

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

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