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.
Considerations When Choosing a Plan
Ask yourself the following questions when composing a parenting plan:
- How old is the child?
- How mature is the child?
- What is the personality of the child?
- How strong is the relationship of the child to each parent?
- Does the child or do the parents have any special needs?
- What are the relationships of the children to siblings or friends?
- Are the homes of the parents too far apart to maintain regular and frequent contact?
- How flexible are the schedules of the people involved?
- What childcare arrangements are needed?
- How and where will exchanges take place?
- How will transportation be provided?
- How well can the parents communicate and cooperate?
- What are the cultural and religious practices of the parents and children?
- Are there any parental fitness concerns, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health problems?
- What is the ability or availability of each parent to care for the needs of the child?
- Will the parent be able to exercise the parenting time consistently?
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