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.
Who do I have to notify?
After filing the petition for guardianship, you must notify the minor's parents by serving the Notice of Hearing. Notice must be given to both parents of the minor, anyone the minor has lived with in the past 60 days, and the minor if they are 14 years of age or older.
- A copy of the Notice of Hearing and the Petition must be mailed to these persons at least 19 days before the hearing or hand delivered at least 14 days before the hearing
- They may sign a consent to the guardianship and a waiver of the requirement of notice
- Any of these persons whose whereabouts or identities are unknown must be notified by publication after a diligent search