Dependency

Dependency is a court proceeding to determine whether a child’s parent or guardian is abusive or neglectful.  In dependency matters, the juvenile court may temporarily or permanently remove the child from the parent’s home.  In cases where the child is temporarily removed from the home, the court’s goal is to return the child to the home or reunification.  To aid in reunification, the court may offer monitoring or services to the parent.  If a child is permanently removed from the home, parental rights may be terminated and another family can be awarded custody or given the right to adopt the child.  Anyone who has concerns about the safety and welfare of a child can initiate a dependency matter, but blood relatives are typically given preference