What Happens when an In-Home Dependency is Considered?

If the outcome of the Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting was an In-Home Dependency, the Department of Child Safety (DCS) Specialist will be filing a petition with the Juvenile Court. With an In-Home Dependency, the child will continue to reside with the parent, guardian or custodian; however, DCS has legal custody of your children for the entire time your family is being monitored by the Court. A court date will be scheduled; usually the court date is within five to seven days.

DCS Specialists are required to continually assess if the child can safely remain with the parent. The DCS Specialist, along with their supervisor, will formally evaluate child safety at least every six months; however, as family circumstances change, DCS will evaluate if the child can remain safely with the parent, guardian or custodian.