Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of DCS is to return every child who has been removed to a safe and permanent home. The agency helps parents in solving problems and making a safe living situation for their children. Although the DCS Specialist may recommend that a child return home, the court makes the final determination about when the child is returned. DCS works diligently with families to reunify them as quickly as possible and usually continues to provide needed services for some period after family reunification has occurred.

The juvenile court handles adoptions.

With respect to a minor, Guardianship means the duty and authority to make important decisions in matters affecting the child. You can find more information in regards to Guardianship and DCS you can visit the DCS Policy Manual website here.

Guardianship subsidy is a monthly payment to the guardian to help with the expenses of caring for the child.

• Cash assistance
• AHCCCS (if eligible)
• Behavioral health services (if eligible)

No, once you have guardianship, you cannot become a licensed foster home for that child.

A court hearing is when the judge is updated about the parents’ progress on their service plan and how the child is doing in placement. Based upon these updates, the judge can make a decision regarding the child’s case plan (for example, ordering for reunification or ordering a case plan change to severance and adoption). Also, the judge may issue orders for additional services for the parents and/or the child.