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.
What is the difference between a restraining order and a protective order?
A restraining order is the same as a Protective Order - a court order that prohibits a specific person from coming near an individual, home, workplace, or other location listed in the document. In Arizona, the law and courts use the language "Protective Order" or "Order of Protection" on documents, and during the court hearing. Other states may call them restraining orders, protection from abuse orders, or a similar name.
To apply for an order of protection online visit AZPOINT.
Resources:
• Criminal harassment A.R.S. § 13-2921
• Injunction against harassment A.R.S. § 12-1809
• Injunction against harassment Forms
• Injunction against workplace harassment A.R.S. § 12-1810
• Protective order forms (English & Spanish)