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Parenting Time Schedule: Plan 3

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In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.

Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.

DCS Letter Information

The plans provided are to act as a guide in developing a parenting time plan that best suites the needs of the child as well as the parents.
They are recommendations, not required methods.

Recommended for children ages Birth to 5 years.

How it Works

Every week, the non-custodial parent has the child 3 times. Two of the periods are for 3-5 hours and one 8-hour period.

Example

plan3.jpg

Vacations

Vacations that are much different from the regular parenting time schedule are not recommended unless the parents agree.

Holidays

Parents should consider dividing holidays or special occasions in time blocks similar to their regular parenting time.

This plan should be chosen if

  • Parents have been using Plans 1 or 2 for some time
  • Both parents have a bond with the child
  • Parenting skills are adequate, but where one of the parents has less available time than the other to devote to the child
  • The child has previously spent most of the time with one parent

Advantages

  • The child has frequent, but short visits with the parent who has less parenting time
  • Offers consistency and predictability
  • The custodial parent receives a few "breaks" throughout the week

Disadvantages

  • There are 5-6 exchanges each week, which may be difficult for parents that do not get along
  • The week may seem a bit "choppy" or broken up
 

More Information

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