Initial Dependency Hearing

An Initial Dependency Hearing will be set within 21 days after the petition is filed. At this hearing the court can declare the child dependent or set other conferences or mediation. When a child is declared dependent, it basically means the court has ruled that child is in need of parental care and control and that the state of Arizona is legally responsible to provide that. At the same time, a DCS case is now filed in the courts (called a dependency) and DCS will work with the family providing services to address the issues of concern so that the family can reunify if possible.