In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependecy and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependecy and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
There are things people must do after filing for adoption, but before the final hearing.
The biological parent(s) must compile information about family health and genetic history that are not identifying. Children adopted through a licensed adoption agency get this information, if available, directly from the agency. If you are not adopting through an agency, the attorney is responsible for providing this information to the adoptive parents.
If parental rights have not already been terminated, any consents should be filed with the petition to adopt.
If the child was placed by an adoption agency or person you are required to file a verified accounting with the court. It must include all payments, disbursements, or commitments of value made or paid in regards to the adoption. It must be filed before the hearing at least:
The juvenile court commissioner or judge reviews all cases for necessity of expenses and reasonableness. If they believe that the report is incomplete or deceptive they may order a new report. If certain amounts are deemed excessive or unauthorized they may have to be repaid.
The final hearing can be scheduled up to 6 months after filing the petition. Once a child is placed with the adoptive parents, they cannot be removed from the home without a court order. During this waiting period, the adoptive parents have the rights to:
Resources
State Statute - A.R.S. § 25-801
State Statute - A.R.S. § 8-111