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.
The father of my child wants to acknowledge paternity. Is there an easy way for him to do this?
Unwed parents may voluntarily acknowledge a child until the child reaches the age of 18. An Acknowledgment of Paternity form (CS-127) is available at the hospital when your child is born. It is also available at the Hospital Paternity Program through DCSS at P.O. Box 40458, Phoenix, AZ 85067, 602-771-8181 (Maricopa County) or 1-800-485-6908 (statewide outside Maricopa County).
Unwed parents who wish to voluntarily acknowledge paternity may also walk into any DCSS office to complete an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity (AAP) that is filed through HPP if they wish to open a case with DCSS. If they do not want to open a case with DCSS but wish only to establish paternity, the Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form from HPP (CS-127) is available at the DCSS office as well. Both forms are filed through HPP to establish paternity. Find Your Local Child Support Office.
Response provided by the Department of Child Support Services
Resources:
- Department of Child Support Services - FAQ
- Child Support Guidelines
- Child Support Information