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.
Parenting Time Schedule: Plan 9
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 3 to 18 years.
How it Works
Every other week, the non-custodial parent has the child 2 consecutive overnights, with the possibility of adding another overnight or 3-6 hour period.
Example
Vacations
The age of the child should be taken into consideration before setting stipulations on the amount and frequency of vacation taken. At least 30 days before the planned vacation, each parent must give the other parent written notice of the travel dates. At least 3 days before travel, each parent must give detailed information to the other parent, including the places they will be going and how to reach the child or the parent during the vacation.
Holidays
Parents should consider dividing holidays or special occasions in time blocks similar to their regular parenting time.
This plan should be chosen if
- The child will spend less time with one parent because of work schedules, living arrangements, or great distance between homes
- The child has not yet developed a bond with a parent
- A parent has limited parenting skills
- The child has previously spent most of the time with one parent
Advantages
- This plan provides consistency and predictability throughout the school week
Disadvantages
- Limited time for one parent
- The child does not see one parent for 6 days during alternating weeks