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.
Who may be a guardian?
Before appointing a guardian for a minor, the Court must determine that the parents agree to the guardianship, that the parents cannot care for the minor because of circumstances, or there is no living parent. The parents must sign a consent form or be given notice of the guardianship proceedings and an opportunity to object.
Once the Court has determined that appointment of a guardian is necessary, the Court will select a guardian in the best interests of the minor. A guardian can be a relative, friend, or other interested person. Preference is given to the parents' choice of guardian, followed by preference to family members before other interested persons, but the Court will appoint a guardian that is in the minor's best interests.