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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
DCS; periodic review hearing; report
Purpose
Requires the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to file a fact-based written report with the court and provide the report to all parties at least 15 days before a periodic review hearing.
Background
After receiving and considering the evidence on the disposition of a case, the court may place a dependent child in the care of the child's parents, subject to the supervision of DCS. If the placement with the child's parents is contrary to the child's welfare, the court may place the child with outlined persons or entities, in accordance with the child's best interests. In reviewing the status of the child and in determining the order of disposition, the court must consider: 1) the health and safety of the child as a paramount concern; 2) the goals of the family and appropriateness of the case plan; 3) the services that have been offered to reunite the family; 4) if returning the child home is not likely, the efforts that have been or should be made to evaluate or plan for other permanent placement plans; and 5) the efforts that have been made or should be made to place the child with the child's siblings or to provide frequent visitation or contact when placement with siblings has not been possible (A.R.S. § 8-845).
After the disposition hearing, the court must hold periodic review hearings at least once every six months as required by federal law to determine whether DCS has identified and assessed placement of the child and whether the parent or guardian has complied with the court order to provide information about persons who are related to or have a significant relationship with the child (A.R.S. § 8-847).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires DCS to file a fact-based written report with the court and provide a copy to all required parties at least 15 days before any periodic review hearing.
2. Requires the court, if the report contains any advocacy or recommendations, to view the report in the light most favorable to the parties that did not file the report.
3. Requires the report to provide the following information:
a) the placement of the child;
b) the services being provided to the child and the child's family, including the child's educational needs;
c) the progress made in achieving the child's case plan goals; and
d) whether the child continues to be dependent.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 16, 2026
MM/SDR/hk