Bill > HB2541

This bill modifies Arizona child welfare laws to enhance disclosure requirements and reporting in dependency and termination of parental rights cases. Specifically, the bill requires petitioners filing dependency or parental rights termination petitions to submit a notarized affidavit that provides comprehensive details about any information in the Department of Child Services' custody related to the case. The affidavit must describe the disclosed information, specify the date of disclosure, and explain the method of delivering that information. In dependency cases, the bill also mandates that when a child is adjudicated dependent, the department must file a report within six months that assesses the child's ongoing dependency status, documents any changes in the child's circumstances, and indicates whether the original allegations in the dependency petition still apply. These new requirements aim to increase transparency and ensure that all relevant information is shared with the court and involved parties during child welfare proceedings, potentially helping to protect the best interests of children in the system by facilitating more comprehensive and informed decision-making.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82363