Earlier, I had introduced you to permanency planning, in regards to how a plan is developed for what is in the "best interest" of the child. Since each state may have a different procedure for how they do it, I will talk about how we do it here in AZ.

The Arizona dependency process is as follows:

1. CPS receives report



2. The child is removed (or services are provided in-home)


3. Dependency petition is filed (within 72 hours if there is a removal)


4. Pre-hearing conference or preliminary protective hearing - Issues that are discussed at this hearing are: Placement, Visitation, Services, and Dependency. This hearing is held within 5-7 days of the removal.


5. If the parents fail to appear at the preliminary protective hearing, then there is an initial dependency hearing. This takes place 21 days from when the petition was filed. The parent can agree to the dependency, or deny the dependency and have a trial.



6. Settlement conference or mediation. Within 30 days of the preliminary protective hearing


7. Adjudication. 30 days from settlement conference/mediation. No later than 90 days for the filing of the dependency petition.


8. Disposition. 30 days from adjudication. It can take place at the same time as the adjudication.


9. Review Hearing. Every six months at a minimum.


10. Permanency hearing. 12 months from the removal of the child. A permanent plan is determined at this time.


11. Termination of parental rights hearing. 30 days after the permanency hearing.


12. Termination/Severance hearing. 90 days from permanency hearing.


13. Adoption hearing.

This is the bare bones version of what happens and when. In coming posts, I will explore each step in more detail. If you would like a chart of the process, email me at fostercareblog@adoptionmail.com and I will send you one. It is a lot easier to follow, and you can refer to it as I plod along.

Ideally, in a perfect world, there should be a permanent plan established for the child within one year of their removal. But we don't live in a perfect world, and so kids are in foster care for many years.