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.
How does the hearing start?
First, the court is called to order. This means all conversations must stop, hats are removed, cell phones are off, and full attention and respect is shown to the court. The court “calls” a given case and the main witnesses for the state and the defendant come forward and sit at the tables provided. The Judge reads the complaint out loud, identifies evidence and witnesses, and asks if the defendant is ready to proceed, if so, the proceedings begin.
Resources
Video - Going to Court
Video - Preparing for Court